When looking at options after year 11, planning should start in year 9.
Each school has responsibilities to provide information about careers, applying for college and finding a job or training.
All colleges have open days three times a year during autumn, spring and summer terms. Parents and young people can go to these open days.
Visit the college's website to find out:
- Information about their courses
- Request a prospectus
- How to apply
To find local colleges search our:
Local Offer directory
Courses
Colleges offer a wide range of courses:
- Foundation level and above including Higher Education
- Life skills – preparation for independent living
- Preparation for work - develop skills for future employment
Support at college
Colleges have Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) or equivalent.
Colleges may offer the following support:
- Additional support for learning
- Counselling and wellbeing
- Financial
- Maths and English
- Support at break times
Support is delivered by a range of staff:
- Behaviour support teams
- Counsellors
- Learning Support Assistants
- Mentors
- Personal tutors
- Safeguarding team
Colleges have duties to ensure their courses and learning are accessible to all students.
Go to the UK Government website to read guidance on the Equalities Act 2010.
During the transition period, schools and colleges need to share information to ensure the right support is available for students when they starts.
Financial Support
Bursary
Colleges have access to bursary funding to support students with:
- Travel to college
- Equipment
- Trips
- Course fees
The bursary fund does depend on household income please visit colleges websites to find out about financial support.
Vulnerable bursary
The vulnerable bursary scheme is for students who are in local authority care or care leavers, who are receiving:
- Income support / Universal Credit independently
- Employment and Support Allowance / Universal Credit and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payments independently
Free college meals
If you received free school meals at school this could also been available at college.
Course fees
Colleges do not charge for courses for students up to the age of 19. After the age of 19 colleges may charge tuition fees. Speak to the college for further information. Students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) courses are free.
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of a tuition fees for further education courses at a college.
Go to the UK Government website for further information.
Transport
Students can apply for discount travel passes.
Some colleges provide a bus service with pick up routes across the area. The transport cost can be found on the college’s website.
If a student needs additional support to travel to college the local authority has a post 16 Transport policy, there is a charge for this service.
For further information please read our school and college transport webpage.
Education, Health and Care Plans
Students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) will continue to have annuals reviews. For further information please read our reviewing Education, Health and Care Plans webpage.
An individual education plan is developed with the young person and parents based on the EHCP outcomes. Education, Health and Care plans can support young people in learning up to the age of 25 and should reflect the young persons progress towards adulthood.
Career advice and guidance
Young people will continue to have access to career advice and guidance to help with their career plan. Colleges have responsibilities to provide career guidance.
