Post-16 education and training options

Young people in England are required to stay in education or training until they are 18.

This can be through:

  • full-time study in a school, college or with a training provider
  • full-time work or volunteering (20 hours or more) combined with part-time education or training
  • an apprenticeship, or a supported internship

Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (2015), young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are entitled to continue education up to 25 where it supports their outcomes and aspirations. Local authorities should ensure that young people with EHCPs are supported to achieve the outcomes set out in their plan.

The purpose of continuing education or training beyond 19 is to enable young people to:

  • complete their education and training
  • achieve outcomes that prepare them for adulthood, including employment, independent living, participation in society and good health

Continuing education should not be a repeat of previous learning; it should represent progression and be focused on helping the young person move towards these outcomes.

Further and higher education

Further education (FE) is post-16 education that is not an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

Higher education (HE) is the term used to describe education at university. You usually have to be 18 or over to do a higher education course.

Post 16 options in Southend and the local area

This information has been produced as a tool to support young people make informed decisions. It is also available to view and download as a visual routemap.

Transport is a key consideration for post-16 pathways. Read about travel assistance.

Options vary depending on whether a young person attended a mainstream or specialist setting/resource base and whether they have an EHCP.

Options for those transitioning out of a mainstream setting (with or without an EHCP):

Options for those transitioning out of a specialist setting or a resource base with an EHCP:

The options open to those transitioning out of a mainstream setting plus:

Ready to Work programme

This is a programme for young people aged 16 to 19 who are not in education, employment or training (also known as NEET) who are looking for support to get into work or to return to education or training.

The programme is for young people who have special educational needs, Looked After Children, and those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

To find out more, speak to your career's advisor, Southend Virtual Schools Education Advisor or EHCP Co-ordinator.

Case studies

Case study 1: Year 11 transition – what if GCSE grades aren't enough?

Jamie is in Year 11 at a specialist setting and has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). He's taken alternative qualifications instead of GCSEs and his English and Maths results are lower than expected. Jamie wants to go to a mainstream college for a vocational course, but the college says he doesn't meet the entry requirements.

Common misconception:

“If you don't have the right GCSE grades, you can't go to college.”

The facts:

  • young people with an EHCP can stay in education or training until age 25 if it helps them achieve their goals
  • colleges must make reasonable adjustments and consider flexible entry routes for learners with an EHCP
  • entry requirements are not a barrier, there are alternative pathways to help your child reach their chosen course

Practical solutions for parents:

1. Annual Review and planning:

  • use the Year 11 EHCP annual review to talk about your aspirations
  • ask for the preferred college to be considered in the EHCP

2. Alternative Pathways:

  • many colleges offer Foundation or Entry Level courses that include vocational subjects plus English and Maths support
  • locally, some specialist post-16 settings provide additional stepping-stone years. These focus on building confidence and improving English and Maths, making future applications to vocational courses more successful

3. EHCP Support:

  • the EHCP can include extra help at college, such as specialist teaching, assistive technology, or therapies

Positive outcome:

Jamie spends an extra year in a specialist post-16 setting to strengthen his English and Maths. With improved skills and confidence, he successfully applies for his chosen vocational course at college the following year.

Case study 2: Post-16 options when mental health has impacted GCSEs

Amelia is in Year 11 at a mainstream school and has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). She struggled with the large school environment and her mental health meant she couldn't sit her GCSE exams, even though she was following a GCSE curriculum. Amelia and her family are worried about what happens next.

Common misconception:

“If you don't sit your GCSEs, you can't continue in education.”

The facts:

  • young people with an EHCP can stay in education or training until age 25 if it helps them achieve their outcomes
  • post-16 education is not limited to GCSE results. Colleges and specialist providers offer flexible routes for learners who missed exams due to health or other needs
  • The SEND Code of Practice requires providers to use their best endeavours to support learners with SEN and make reasonable adjustments

Practical options for Amelia:

1. Annual Review and transition planning:

  • use the Year 11 EHCP review to discuss Amelia's aspirations and mental health needs
  • request that the preferred college or specialist setting is named in Section I of the EHCP

2. Alternative pathways:

  • Foundation or Entry Level courses: these allow learners to build confidence and skills before progressing to Level 2 or vocational courses
  • Functional Skills in English and Maths: these are widely accepted and can be studied alongside vocational subjects
  • Specialist post-16 settings: locally, some providers offer smaller, supportive environments with mental health support and accredited qualifications in English, Maths, and vocational areas. These “stepping stone” years help young people re-engage and prepare for future college applications

3. EHCP Support:

  • the EHCP can include mental health support, therapies, and tailored teaching approaches to ensure Amelia's needs are met

Positive outcome:

Amelia starts at a specialist post-16 setting for one year, focusing on wellbeing, English and Maths, and confidence-building. With improved mental health and skills, she successfully transitions to a vocational course at college the following year.

Other teams, organisations, services and resources that can help

Southend-on-Sea City Council Preparing for Adulthood Team (for young people with an EHCP). Speak to your EHCP Case Co-ordinator.

Southend Careers Service

The Southend Vocational Profile

Skills for Careers website

Greater Essex Your Futures website - information about post-16 study options and jobs and opportunities across Essex.