Last updated:
14th October 2025
Foundation and supported courses at college
Foundation courses
Many further education colleges offer foundation and supported courses.
They can help you build the skills you need to:
- feel confident and ready for adult life
- move on to another course
- get a paid job
These courses can support young people who:
- need extra support because of a learning difficulty or disability, including more complex needs
- need help moving to college or getting back into learning
- want to develop their personal and social skills to reach their potential
You might do your learning in a smaller section of the college, to help you feel supported and settle into college life. The courses are often more personalised and designed to meet your individual needs.
Afterwards, you might move onto another course or start work-based training, like an apprenticeship or a supported internship if you have an EHCP.
Find foundation courses
Find out more about foundation courses on these college websites:
- Bracknell and Wokingham College
- Reading College
- Berkshire College of Agriculture
- Newbury College
- Farnborough College of Technology
- The Henley College
How to apply
You need to apply for a foundation course directly on a college website. It is best to do this in the autumn or early spring term of Year 11.
Applying with an EHCP
You can talk about college options at your annual reviews in Year 9 and 10.
In Year 11, you need to:
- Apply directly for the college course on their website in the autumn or early spring term
- Contact the SEND Team to let them know you have applied
The SEND Team will consult with the college so that everyone understands how best to support you.
By 31 March of Year 11, your EHCP must be updated with the name of your college or setting.
This process is called a phase transfer. You can read more about it in the section on moving into post-16 education with an EHCP.
