There are many options for young people after the age of 16, including the choice of further education. This could mean college and then university. Below you can find information about college, university and continued education support for 19 to 25 year olds.

Further education options

Staying at the same school

You can choose to continue your education at the same school if it has post-16 provision. The school will therefore know the additional support that you need and can continue to support you through the curriculum.

Information about each academy and maintained school in Devon can be found on the school’s website, along with information about their SEND policy and SEN information support.

Changing schools

You may choose to change schools for post-16 education or perhaps find a college course better suited to your interests. All colleges should provide support to help students with SEND to complete their course to the best of their abilities and some offer courses specifically designed for people with SEND.

For more information on the SEND support offered at each college, visit the ‘support’ pages of their websites. The support offered should be structured around the ‘assess, plan, do, review’ system to make sure that it is effective. You can also find our more information about choosing a school here (including specialist colleges).

Higher education

University

If you choose to go to university then your school should give you advice about which subjects to study in order to prepare for your chosen course and how to apply to it. University applications are completed through UCAS and include a personal statement which should highlight the applicant’s enthusiasm for the subject as well as their relevant study skills. A teacher at your school or college will be able to help you write your personal statement and complete the application form.

Universities should provide additional support for students with SEND. To find out what support is offered at a particular University, visit their website and search for ‘student support’ or ‘disability’. UCAS also offers advice about the support which should be available to students with disabilities.

If you have an EHC plan you can ask us to share this with your higher education provider so that they can support you. We must do this within 15 days of your request. However, higher education institutions are not named on EHC plans and the plan ceases to have any statutory protections once you enter higher education.

It may be possible for you to get additional money to support your studies through Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs) depending on your circumstances.

Disability Rights UK has information on a range of topics relating to disabilities and further education.

What is good about university?

• Most graduates earn a higher wage than non-graduates.
• It’s a good way to meet lots of people and make new friends.
• You can learn important life skills such as managing your time and your budget.
• You can study your chosen subject in more depth.

Things to consider about university

• Managing your studies, budget and time can sometimes be challenging and stressful.
• It takes 3 or 4 years to get a degree. Tuition fees are £9,000 per year in addition to the cost of accommodation and food.
• During your degree you may not be earning any money or getting work experience.
• Employers for your chosen career may prefer practical qualifications rather than further education.
• Well paid jobs are not guaranteed after university.

The Open University

The Open University is accessible by everyone and most of the undergraduate courses have no entry requirements. Unlike many universities it is a distance learning course and you can study from wherever is convenient for you, all that is needed is a computer and an internet connection.

Young people that apply to the Open University could be eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance. You will need to allow plenty of time to apply for the funding and be aware that funding may be limited and provided on a first come first served basis.

Find out more about how The Open University supports students with disabilities.

What is good about the Open University?

• You can be employed and earn money whilst still working on your degree.
• The Open University allows you to work from wherever is convenient for you.
• It is less costly than the traditional university experience.
• You will not have the social distractions that you would have at a traditional university.
• Most of the courses do not have formal entry requirements.
• Most Open University students registered with a disability are eligible for Disabled Students Allowance.

Things to consider about the Open University

• The Open University is not an easy alternative to traditional universities.
• There is little face to face interaction with other students.
• Students of the Open University vary in age far more than traditional universities.

19 to 25 year olds

All young people in Devon are entitled to education until the age of 18. The SEN Code of Practice and Department for Education guidance states that learners should be able to complete their education by the time they reach the age of 18.

When the learner reaches 18 their EHC plan should outline what the future steps are. These plans should outline what is needed for the young person to complete their education and should have clear outcomes linked to the learner’s aspirations.  Learners with an EHC plan have access to education between the ages of 19 and 25, if they have not completed all the outcomes from their EHC Plan.

Young people without these EHC plans can also access education between the ages of 19 and 25 and this support can be accessed through their further education college for their SEN needs. Any learner can request an assessment of their SEN needs until the age of 25.

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