Questions and answers about post-16 options and beyond
Example questions and answers
Question 1: what does having an EHCP mean for my post-16 options?
Answer: it means you can access extra support and funding for high needs. This could open doors to specialist colleges, tailored courses, and supported internships—options designed to help you succeed.
Question 2: what routes can I take after 16?
Answer: mainstream college with support, specialist college, apprenticeships, supported internships, vocational training, or a mix of learning and work experience.
Question 3 : how are my choices different from friends without an EHCP?
Answer: while they might choose standard college or apprenticeships, you can access specialist provision, extra support in mainstream settings, and programs focused on independence and employment.
Question 4: why might I need to stay in education after 19?
Answer: some young people need more time to prepare for adulthood, developing skills for work, independent living, and community life. Your EHCP helps make that possible.
Question 5: who decides what's right for me after 19?
Answer: decisions are made through your EHCP annual review, involving you, your family, and the local authority. Your voice matters most.
Question 6: do I have to stay in education until 25?
Answer: no - most young people finish education around 19, just like their peers. You can continue beyond 19 only if you need more learning to achieve your EHCP goals, like preparing for work or independent living. There's no automatic entitlement to stay in education until 25. If you're ready for adult life, your EHCP can end, but support may continue through adult social care.
Question 7: what if I can't live independently? Does that mean I stay in education until 25?
Answer: no - education after 19 is only for learning that helps you achieve your EHCP goals, like skills for work or community life. If you've reached your full learning potential, continuing education may not be right for you. Support for daily living can come from adult social care instead of college.
Question 8: what happens if I can't make decisions about my education after 16?
Answer: the law assumes you can make your own decisions from age 16. If you can't, the Mental Capacity Act says decisions must be made in your best interests, with your views included as much as possible. Parents and professionals may help, and sometimes the Court of Protection steps in for complex cases. The goal is to support you, not replace your voice.
Question 9: who decides if I lack capacity?
Answer: capacity is checked for each decision, like choosing a college or course. If you can’t make that decision, professionals and family will work together, following the Mental Capacity Act rules, to make sure the decision is right for you.
Myth busting
Myth 1: parents make all decisions for young people with SEND.
Fact: from age 16, young people have the legal right to make their own decisions about education and their EHCP, unless they lack capacity for a specific decision. If they do, decisions follow the Mental Capacity Act and must be made in their best interests, with their views included wherever possible. Parents are involved, but they don't automatically have the final say.
Myth 2: having an EHCP means you stay in education until 25.
Fact: most young people finish education around 19, just like their peers. Continuing beyond 19 only happens if more learning is needed to achieve EHCP goals. There's no automatic entitlement.
Myth 3: if you can't live independently, you should stay in education.
Fact: education after 19 is about learning progress, not independence. If you've reached your full learning potential, continuing education may not be suitable. Support for daily living can come from adult social care instead.
Myth 4: SEND students should stay in formal education longer than their peers.
Fact: The SEND Code of Practice says education continues only if it helps achieve EHCP outcomes. Many young people with SEND finish at the same time as others.