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.
The browser you are using is not supported or you do not have JavaScript enabled. Update your browser or enable JavaScript to view this video.
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.
The browser you are using is not supported or you do not have JavaScript enabled. Update your browser or enable JavaScript to view this video.
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.
The browser you are using is not supported or you do not have JavaScript enabled. Update your browser or enable JavaScript to view this video.
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 online form that was sent on Wednesday 17 June 2024. This must be completed by Friday 11 October 2024. Email SENDataCoordination@kent.gov.uk if you did not get the email or have deleted it. If you miss this deadline, it may impact our ability to finalise your placement by the national deadline of 31 March.
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 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.
Help from your sixth form or college
As you move through secondary school into sixth form, your school has learned what works well for you. They know how to best support you with your learning.
But if you feel need extra help talk to your:
- SENCO
- careers advisor
- form tutor
- head of year.
To prepare you for the move read our Planning for Adulthood (PfA) Core Standards. It shows you how your school or college can help you work towards your dreams. It also explains what help you should expect from them and what you can do yourself.
Read about moving to a post 16 education setting.
Higher education
After completing your course, you may want to think about higher education. Or you may want to get a job.