Choices after Year 11 for young people with SEND
The earliest Year 11 students can leave school is the last Friday in June. It is a good idea to start thinking early about what you will do next.
Use the information on this page, and the rest of the >log on | move on> website, to help you consider your options.
Raising Participation Age
Did you know that all young people aged 16 or 17 should be in some form of learning until they are 18.
This is because of the 'Raising Participation Age' law. This law can be confusing but there is a very good guide from Child Law Advice if you want to read more. Click on the purple button below.
What are your options when you turn 16?
Your options after school might be:
- Staying at your school sixth form or moving to a new sixth form.
- Going to a local further education college (FE).
- Moving on to a specialist further education provider.
- Doing an apprenticeship. There is a great video of young people with SEND speaking about their apprenticeship experiences: click here to watch the video
- Finding a job with training.
- Volunteering - although you have to be in part time learning too.
- Doing a supported internship (if you have an EHCP).
You can search >log on | move on> for the right opportunity for you. You can narrow down your search results by qualification or level. Click on the orange button below.
For help understanding the different qualifications and levels, visit our Education and Training guide by clicking on the purple button below.
What does 'full time' education or training mean?
Remember, “full time education” in this context does not often mean classes all day every day like in secondary school, because there may be a requirement for independent learning without your teacher.
Some college courses are for three days rather than the five days that you might have been used to at school or sixth form. Talk to your EHCP adviser if you have one, or your SENCO teacher/careers adviser if you are still at school about other things you might be able to do if three days are not enough. You could also see the volunteering section for some ideas, click the button below.
I don't know what I want to do!
That's ok, lots of people don't know what they want to do next! It is a big decision. We have a page to help you get started, click on the orange button below. We also have a page with tips for making a decision, click the purple button below.
How to apply
You can apply for courses and apprenticeships from October of year 11. Once you have searched for courses and apprenticeships on the >log on | move on> website, you can make a list of your favourites, or add them to your 'favourites' in your >log on | move on> learner account. It would be helpful to talk about your plans with a trusted adult; someone at home, someone at school like a teacher, SENCO, or careers adviser, or a professional who supports you.
When you are happy with your choice of course or apprenticeship, and where you would like to apply for, then you are ready to prepare your application(s). In most cases, you can apply on the >log on | move on> website. There is an application section in your learner account which takes you through the process step by step. You can apply to more than one course or apprenticeship, and more than one place. We recommend having a 'Plan A' which is your favourite, and then a 'Plan B' which is your back up choice in case you are not offered your first choice. When you apply through your >log on | move on> account you are able to track all of your applications in one place.
Click on the purple button below to read more.
Applying for courses when you have an EHCP
If you have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) the Local Authority is responsible for school applications through the ‘consultation’ process. For post 16 applications, the Local Authority may still go through the consultation process to check that the place you wish to attend can meet your needs, but you should also make an application yourself for the specific course you wish to study.
In most cases, you can make your application through the >log on | move on> website. To be sure that your needs are accommodated, you should mention in your application if you have SEN support at school and/or if you have an EHCP. We have lots of helpful information about making applications and attending interviews in our 'Ready to Apply' section. Click on the orange button below to read more.
Complex Needs
For young people who require more specialist education and training provision, a conversation with your Education Health and Care Officer (EHCO), SEND caseworker or SENCO would be needed.
You can find more information about this on the Local Offer websites. Click on one of the buttons below, depending on whether you live in the East Riding or in Hull:
Further information on >log on | move on>
The My Options section has more information about choices for young people. Click on the purple button below. Close the page to come back to the SEND section.
