Skip to main content

Your Education, Training and Employment Options

Explore your options after Year 11, including college, training, apprenticeships, supported internships and employment.

Page last updated

As you get older, you will start thinking about what you would like to do after school.

You may want to continue studying, learn new skills, prepare for work, get a job, or a mix of these options. There is no single route into adulthood and the right path will be different for everyone.

This page explains the education, training and employment options available to young people with SEND and where to find support.

On This Page

  • Your options after Year 11

  • Your options after 19

  • Education and training

  • Work and employment pathways

  • Frequently asked questions

  • Where to get support

What Are My Options After Year 11?

After Year 11, you must continue in education or training.

You may choose to:

  • Stay at school sixth form

  • Attend a college

  • Join a study programme

  • Start an apprenticeship

  • Begin a supported internship

  • Access work-based training

  • Volunteer alongside education or training

The best option will depend on your interests, goals and support needs.

What Are My Options After 19?

Many young people continue learning after the age of 19.

You may choose to:

  • Continue at college

  • Access vocational training

  • Start a supported internship

  • Begin an apprenticeship

  • Move into paid employment

  • Volunteer

  • Access adult learning opportunities

If you have an EHCP, support can continue after 19 where further education or training is needed to help you achieve your outcomes.

Education and Training Options

School Sixth Form

Some young people choose to stay at school and continue studying A Levels or vocational qualifications.

College

Colleges offer a wide range of courses for young people with different interests, abilities and career goals.

You may find:

  • A Levels

  • Vocational qualifications

  • Foundation learning courses

  • Supported learning programmes

  • Life skills courses

  • Employability programmes

Related page: Choosing the Right College

Higher Education

University and higher education can be an option for some young people with SEND.

Many universities offer support such as study skills, disability advisers and reasonable adjustments.

Related page: Going to University with SEND

Study Programmes

Study programmes can help you build skills, confidence and experience for adult life and work.

They may include:

  • Classroom learning

  • Work experience

  • English and maths

  • Independent living skills

  • Employability skills

Related page: Courses and Training That Help You Prepare for Work

Work and Employment Pathways

Work can help you develop skills, confidence and independence.

There are different ways to prepare for and move into employment.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines paid work with training.

As an apprentice:

  • You are employed

  • You earn a wage

  • You learn while you work

  • You work towards a qualification

Supported Internships

A supported internship is for young people aged 16 to 24 who have an EHCP.

You remain a student but spend most of your time in a workplace.

You receive support from a job coach to help you learn workplace skills and prepare for paid employment.

Supported Employment

Supported employment helps people with SEND find, secure and keep paid work.

Support may include:

  • Job coaching

  • CV writing

  • Interview preparation

  • Workplace support

  • Help speaking with employers

Find out more information about Apprenticeships, Supported Internships & Supported Employment

Volunteering

Volunteering can help you:

  • Gain experience

  • Build confidence

  • Learn new skills

  • Meet new people

  • Strengthen your CV

Many young people use volunteering as a step towards paid employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay in education after 19?

Yes.

Some young people continue in education after 19 if they still need education or training to achieve the outcomes in their EHCP.

How will my EHCP support me after 16 or 19?

Your EHCP should help you prepare for adult life.

It should focus on:

  • Your strengths

  • Your goals

  • Education and employment outcomes

  • The support you need

These plans should be reviewed regularly through annual reviews.

What is the difference between a supported internship and an apprenticeship?

Supported Internship

  • You remain a student

  • You have an EHCP

  • You receive support from a job coach

  • The aim is to prepare you for paid employment

Apprenticeship

  • You are an employee

  • You earn a wage

  • You learn while working

  • You complete training as part of your job

How do I travel to college or training?

Many young people travel independently using public transport.

If you need support to build confidence travelling independently, you may be able to access Independent Travel Training.

Additional travel support may be available in some circumstances.

Related page: Support for Young People with SEND travelling by public transport

Who can help me plan my next steps?

You can speak to:

  • Your school or college

  • Your SENCO

  • Your EHCP Coordinator

  • Careers advisers

  • Employment support services

  • Your parent, carer or trusted adult

There is support available if you are unsure about your next step.

Employment Support Available in Sutton

The following services can help you prepare for work and find employment:

Support may include job coaching, CV writing, interview preparation, work experience and workplace support.