You must be in some form of full-time education or training until you turn 18 years old. This is the law in England and Wales.
Post-16 education includes any type of education or training that you do after you turn 16 years old.
This mostly refers to sixth forms, colleges, or apprenticeships, which is known as further education.
It also includes studying at a university, which is called higher education.
In Hounslow, there are many options you can consider for further education study. You can apply to these settings with or without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
If you have an EHCP, you should contact Hounslow’s SEN team to find out if your chosen sixth form or college is suitable for your needs.
You can contact the SEN team by:
- phone: 020 8583 2672
- email: sen@hounslow.gov.uk
However, if you do not have an EHCP you will need to apply directly through the college’s admissions process.
Please note that after you complete your first level 3 course your EHCP will cease.
Further education settings in Hounslow
Sixth forms:
All secondary schools in Hounslow have a sixth form. You can find a list of secondary schools on the main Hounslow Council website.
Colleges in Hounslow:
Colleges in surrounding boroughs:
Studio schools:
- Logic Studio School (ages 14 to 19)
- Space Studio West London (ages 14 to 19)
Special colleges:
Higher education
Post-18 education, also known as higher education (HE), usually takes place at either:
- a university
- a college or educational setting that offers academic degrees or professional qualifications
An EHCP ceases before entering post-18 education. You will need to apply for an undergraduate higher education course through the Universities & Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) portal.
You can find more information and financial advice on the UCAS website.
If you decide not to go to university, there are other further education options such as supported internships or apprenticeships.
Support available in higher education
All UK universities can support you if you have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The best way to get the right support for your needs in higher education is to talk to the disability officer at the university you want to go to.
Questions to ask when choosing a university:
- What extra support is available at the university?
- Does the available support meet your individual needs?
- How does the university or course provider support other students with a similar disability or additional need?
- Will you need to provide proof of your disability and, if so, what will you need to provide?
- Can anyone help with applications for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)?
- Can you visit the university before applying?
- If you find it hard to talk to the course provider, can you nominate someone else on your behalf?
Support while you learn
If you have a physical disability or learning difficulty, like dyslexia, you have the right to get reasonable adjustments.
These might include:
- extra equipment
- more help from tutors
- more time to study
- different ways to take exams
For more information, read:
- Disability Rights UK’s advice on adjustments for disabled students
- the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service's (UCAS) advice on getting extra help at university
Where to get more advice
You can get advice from the Disability Rights UK Disabled Students Helpline:
- phone: 0800 328 5050 (free number, open Tuesdays 11.30am to 1.30pm and Thursdays 1.30pm to 3.30pm)
- email: students@disabilityrightsuk.org
- website: Disabled Students Helpline - Disability Rights UK
