SEND Local Offer - Post 16, further and higher education

Learn about the options available at the end of year 11 (usually when you are aged 16 years), including signposting to services who can help if you are a young person with SEND.

On this page

• Why is post 16 education, training or employment needed?
• What is post 16, further and higher education?
• Staying on at school
• What are the main differences between college and 6th form?
• Financial support for students with disabilities
• Post 16, further and higher education organisations
• Section 41 Independent Special Schools and Independent Post-16 Colleges
• Preparing for Adulthood (PFA) events and directory
• More about going to college or university

Why is post 16 education, training or employment needed?

The law says that you must stay at school until the end of year 11, which will usually be when you are aged 16. This is sometimes refered to as post 16 education.

The Government expects that you will stay in education, training, or employment with training until you are at least aged 18 but there are various ways in which you can do this.

In addition to this post 16 information, your school should also offer you advice and support.

What is post 16, further and higher education?

What is post 16 and further education?

Further education (FE) is post secondary school education for people over the age of 16 that's not part of higher education. You can study qualifications that can be either academic or vocational depending on your goal.

What is higher education?

Higher education (HE) generally refers to the next stage after A levels, National Diploma or another level 3 course undertaken at school or college.

Most people start a higher education course at 18 years of age, and after 3 or 4 years gain a degree. However you can study HE at any age over 18.

It’s also possible to study part time, have a paid job and complete your degree over a longer period. You can study at a university, a further education college or by distance learning.

What are the main post 16 qualifications?

There are a variety of different post 16 qualifications that can be studied depending on the course or job that you are aiming for. Some of these include:

• A Levels
• T-levels
• BTEC National Diplomas
• Certificates
• NVQ's

What are the difference between levels 2, 3 and 4?

Level 2 qualifications

Level 2 is the next step up from level 1, and is also often achieved in Years 10 and 11.

Examples of level 2 qualifications include:

• GCSE (grades A*, A, B or C)
• O level (grades A, B or C)
• Grade 1 at CSE level
• Level 2 functional or essential skills
• Level 2 awards and diplomas
• Level 2 certificates
• Level 2 NVQ

Perfect for those aged 15 to 16, or anyone looking to further their education. Because of the high standard of their grades, level 2 learners will usually progress to level 3 qualifications.

Level 3 qualifications

Level 3 generally shows greater knowledge in a subject, and is often achieved in years 12 and 13, or in centres for further education.

Examples of level 3 qualifications:

• A level (grades A, B, C, D or E)
• T levels
• Advanced subsidiary (AS) level
• Tech level
• Applied general
• Level 3 awards, diplomas and certificates
• Level 3 NVQ
• Music grades 6, 7 and 8
• Advanced apprenticeships
• Access to higher education diploma
• International Baccalaureate diploma
• Level 3 ESOL

Perfect for those who are looking to continue their education after the minimum school leaving age, or who want to specialise in a particular subject.

Leve 4 qualifications

Level 4 is indicative of a greater understanding and a higher level of learning than that gained through core modules at secondary education level.

Examples of level 4 qualifications:

• Higher national certificate (HNC)
• Certificate of higher education (CertHE)
• Level 4 awards
• Level 4 diplomas
• Level 4 certificates
• Level 4 NVQ
• Higher apprenticeships

Perfect for acting as the bridge between level 3 and 5, and can help people progress to the next stage of education when they might not have been able to with their previous qualifications.

For more information on the range of different post-16 qualifications, go to UCAS post-16 qualifications you can take

Staying on at school

If you are in a mainstream school, it may be possible for you to stay there for a further two years to attend sixth form.

Most young people in mainstream school sixth forms study A levels over a two-year period but there may be other options. Staff at school will be able to advise you about what study programmes may be available to you.

If you are in a maintained special school or academy in Nottinghamshire you can leave at the end of year 11, but most young people stay on for years 12 and 13.

Your study programme should include subjects that help prepare you for adulthood. For example, travel training, money management and careers advice. You should also study for qualifications that recognise the skills you have acquired.

If you are in an independent non-maintained school or alternative provision, discussions about appropriate post 16 options will take place at your annual review no later than year 11 and preferably in year 10.

What are the main differences between college and 6th form?

A college will offer you a different learning environment to that experienced at a school's sixth form. These are some of the main differences:

Qualifications

One of the first things you will notice at any further education college is that the range of courses is much wider. Most colleges offer A levels, as do sixth forms, but also have a huge number of other qualifications available in different subjects and at different levels. Not all colleges, however, will offer the same 'mix' of subjects so it’s very important to check carefully what is available locally.

Timetables

One of the first differences between school and college you will notice is your timetable.

At school you won’t have had much free time and even if you had a 'free' period you were probably expected to spend it studying. At college, depending on your course, things may be organised quite differently. There could be several hours between lessons or lectures. You might not even have to attend at all for a full day. If you are there all day it might start at 8:30am and not finish until 5pm.

At college it’s also possible to study on a part-time basis, rather than take a full-time course. Depending on the college and how courses are organised, you might be able to combine a full-time course with something part time.

Environment

Many people say that colleges treat students 'more like adults' than is the case in a sixth form. This is probably true in that you are not told where to be all the time, when to eat or what to wear. However, it doesn’t suit everyone.

Some students prefer a learning environment which is very regulated rather than organising things on their own. Think about what works for you and where you would achieve better.

Financial support for students with disabilities

University and higher education support

Universities have staff dedicated to supporting disabled students with their application, transition and experience during their university degree. You can be supported with your studies through adjustments to the way your course is taught and assessed.

For a detailed guide on the range of support you may be entitled to at university and information regarding what help disability support staff can provide, download the Disability support at university guide [PDF]

It is a legal duty for universities and higher education colleges to provide reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities to access their studies. For further information and links to understand your legal rights when attending university, download the Know your legal rights at university guide [PDF]

Going to university can be both exciting and challenging. You will be able to learn your chosen subject in more depth, meet new people and take part in a range of great opportunities. For advice on how to adjust to university life as a disabled student, download the Strategies to manage your studies along side your conditions at university guide [PDF]

University and higher education funding

Many students apply for student finance to fund their studies at university. However, disabled students may also be eligible to apply for additional non-repayable loans to support the costs of completing their degree, such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance and charitable bursaries.

For a detailed breakdown of all financial support at university and the links to find out more, download the Managing your money at university guide [PDF]

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for additional funding and support as well. Find out more at scholarships grants and bursaries for disabled-students (UCAS)

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA)

In addition to your student finance arrangements, you may also be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) which help cover some of the extra study-related costs you incur due to a physical or mental health condition, or learning difference. This is a non-repayable allowance which is in addition to other student finance.

Follow Georgina's journey with understanding Disabled Students' Allowance and needs assessment process in this 6-minute YouTube video:

Start applying for DSAs as soon as possible. You don’t need a confirmed university place to apply.

Higher education students living in England, who meet certain criteria, can apply for a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) if they have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

These allowances cover extra disability-related costs or expenses you have while studying which are over and above those provided as reasonable adjustments by the college or university.

Learn more about Disabled Students' Allowance (GOV.UK)

The organisation Diversity and Ability has lots of straightforward advice on what DSA covers and how to apply. You can read more about it at DSA: Step-by-Step Guidance (Calling All Minds)

Does my child keep their EHC plan if they start university?

Your son or daughter’s EHC plan will automatically end if they:

• progress to a level 4 course (degree level) at college or university
• leave education to take up paid employment
• leave education and no longer wish to return.

The local authority can decide to end the plan if your son or daughter no longer has special educational needs or does not need to stay in education or training. An EHC plan cannot stay in place if your son and daughter only has health or social care needs.

Further education funding

Depending on your circumstances and the course you are studying you may be eligible for different types of funding.

You may be able to get help with the costs of:

• your course
• day-to-day living costs
• childcare.

You can also access free training if you are unemployed and:

• claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) (GOV.UK)
• in a work-related activity group and have Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (GOV.UK)
• required to do training as part of your Universal Credit claim (GOV.UK)

The Government has more information and what you may be entitled to at Further education courses and funding (GOV.UK)

Bursary fund for those aged 16 to 19 years

You could get a bursary to help with education-related costs if you’re aged 16 to 19 and:

• studying at a publicly funded school or college in England - not a university
• on a training course, including unpaid work experience.

A publicly funded school is one that does not charge you for attending it.

Learn more about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund (GOV.UK)

Advanced Learner Loan

If you are aged 19 or older and thinking about further education or training you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Whether you qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan depends on your:

• course
• college or training provider
• age
• nationality or residency status.

Learn more about an Advanced Learner Loan (GOV.UK)

Post-16, further and higher education organisations

The SEND Local Offer website has details on the SEND Local Offer - Going to mainstream college page

Section 41: Independent special schools and independent post-16 colleges

Local authorities are required to publish a list of independent schools and colleges in England and Wales, which are approved by the Secretary of State for Education under Section 41 of the Children Act 2014.

This list is updated on a termly basis. The latest list can be viewed on the Independent special schools and post-16 institutions (GOV.UK)

Preparing for Adulthood (PFA) events and directory

The Statutory SEND Service holds an annual PFA Event for young people with education, health and care plans in Year 9 and above.

The event gives the young people and their parents or carers the opportunity to meet with a variety of education, health and care professionals and gather useful information to support them to make informed choices about their futures as they move into adulthood.

PFA directory

Statutory SEND Service has also created a directory you can download to support with pathway planning, which gives information on some of the providers and services that usually attend the PFA Event.

Download the Preparing for Adulthood Service Directory - (Nottinghamshire County Council) [PDF]

Preparing for Adulthood family information events 2025 to 2026

Last year over 135 families attended each of our north and south events. In their feedback, families expressed how much information they gained about all aspects of preparing for adulthood and how much more optimistic they felt about their young person's future employment opportunities.

Given the success of the events and after listening to feedback from families and providers on how the events could be improved, we will be holding two events again this year:

North event

Our North event aimed at young people in Mansfield, Ashfield, Bassetlaw & Newark will be held on Saturday 22nd November 2025.

• Date: Saturday, 22nd November 2025
• Time: 10am to 13:30 pm (drop in anytime)
• Venue: Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield, NG19 7BH

All young people in Year 9 and above with an EHCP will be sent an invite letter in the post. If you have not received this please contact us.

Telephone: 0115 804 1275
Email: icdsehcpost16@nottscc.gov.uk

Please complete and return your reply slip or email us by no later than Friday, 31st October 2025.

South event

Our south event aimed at young people in Broxtowe, Gedling, Rushcliffe, will be held jointly with Nottingham City Council.

• Date: Saturday 28^th February 2026
• Time: 10am to 13:30pm (drop in anytime)
• Venue: David Ross Sports Centre, University Park, Beeston Lane, Nottingham NG7 2RD

All young people in Year 9 and above with an EHCP will be sent an invite letter in the post. If you have not received this by the end of January 2026, please contact us.

Telephone: 0115 804 1275
Email: icdsehcpost16@nottscc.gov.uk

If you live in other areas of the County and missed our North Event you can still attend the South event, although please be aware that some providers and services who solely cover the North of the County may not be in attendance.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information on preparing for adulthood

Should you be unable to attend either event but would like more information on preparing for adulthood:

Contact details and a brief summary of various services can be found in the PFA Service Directory.

Download the Preparing for Adulthood Service Directory - (Nottinghamshire County Council) [PDF]

Watch out for details of future events and information sessions on this page. We will also contact our young people directly with details of any future events and information sessions.

Should you require any further information please email the Statutory SEND Service Post 16 team at icdsehcpost16@nottscc.gov.uk

More about going to college or university

Learn more about different education settings and what you need to know before you apply on our information pages.