Mainstream colleges and sixth forms for young people with SEND
Sixth form
Sixth form is year 12 and year 13.
When you finish your GCSEs in year 11, you can go into sixth form at your school or another. The classes are often smaller. You will usually learn more academic subjects, for example maths, science and English. Sixth form helps you to study for qualifications to help you get you a job or into university.
Your lessons may include written exams, coursework, or skills assessments.
Or why not go to an independent school sixth form.
College
College is a great option if you want to learn skills for a job. You will usually learn vocational subjects, for example:
- beauty
- carpentry
- motor mechanics.
There is a wide range of foundation and degree courses available in colleges. To gain a qualification, you will take either exams, coursework, or skills assessments.
A local specialist education and training provider may be able to help if you have complex needs. Or you may wish to attend an independent college.
Before you apply
To find out which is the best option for you:
- talk to your careers advisor
- go to an open day or evening
- visit Kent Choices to learn more about what courses are available
- see what transport is available to get you there and back home.
Watch these short videos from Charlie, Reese, and Aiden, to learn why they love going to college.
Reese talks about how college has given him independence. Including new skills and making new friends.
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Hear from Aiden who is autistic as he explains why he loves going to college. You'll hear about his big plans after leaving college.
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Charlie is taking part in an internship programme. He's really interested in building and college can help him grow skills to help him get a job in the future.
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Apply for a place
If you have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
Your school will talk to you about a phase transfer review. Some people call this an annual review. This chat will happen in year 10, where they will look at your EHC plan.
Your parent or carer needs to complete the preference form by 30 October 2023 to let us know where you want to go next year. If you have any questions email SENPhaseTransfer@kent.gov.uk and we will get back to you.
It's really important that you tell them where you would like to go after you leave school. Once they have talked to you, they will send off the details to us. We will speak with the sixth form or college, and others to see if they can help you. When that's all done, we will name and issue an updated EHC plan by 31 March. This is in time for you starting in September.
If you do not have an EHC plan
Apply to the sixth form or college directly. Or apply for a course by visiting Kent Choices.
Higher education
After completing your course, you may want to think about higher education. Or you may want to get a job.