Sixth form - special schools for all ages

On completing statutory education at year 11 young people have the opportunity to decide where they wish to continue in learning or training. All schools should provide impartial careers guidance which will help young people to decide which post 16 option is suitable for them, one of the options may be to continue in a special school sixth form. 

See our directory below to view all services in our special schools sixth form category. 

Please note: schools are are responsible for updating their own information. Please let us know if you would like to suggest a special school sixth form and we will contact them.

Browse

Who can attend?

Young people aged 16 – 19 with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming a special school as the type of education setting required.

Are there any costs?

There are no costs for the course.

You will need to consider the costs of travelling to the education provider.

How do I apply to attend?

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan, admission to these schools will be subject to the local authority undertaking a review of your Education, Health and Care Plan and agreeing to name the provider. 

You can contact the school direct to arrange to visit.

What happens next?

All 16 to 19-year-old students are expected to take a study programme which reflects their prior attainment, education and career goals.

Some students with an Education, Health and Care Plan may continue to pursue their study beyond the age of 19 if they are still progressing and need further time to work towards their planned outcomes.

Study programmes should stretch and challenge students, prepare them for adulthood, and support their progression into work or further study. Programme content and structure will vary from one student to another. For some students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, their programme will include qualifications; for others it may concentrate on high quality work experience and other non-qualification activities that will help them prepare for employment and/or adult life more generally.

Study programmes should always include English and maths at an appropriate level. Some students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities will work towards achieving GCSE grade 4 or above, whereas others may focus on gaining those maths and English skills which are relevant to their aspirations.

Study programmes can provide personalised learning programmes which enable each student to progress from their individual starting point to their chosen destination.

Work experience is an integral part of a study programme for all students. For students, work experience brings many benefits - learning and practising skills related to their areas of interest; developing general employability skills; the positive character and attitudes that employer’s value so highly and informing choices about future employment.

What happens when I become an adult?

Young people are able to remain in a special school sixth form until the year in which they become 19, provided this is a suitable setting and programme. In preparation for leaving the school should provide careers guidance to help young people decide on the most suitable next step for them.

How do I find out more?

Take a look at our directory below.

Add/update your listing Suggest a listing
Skip back to top of page