Where you can choose to study or train and how to find a course in Bristol for young people with SEND.
Education for ages 16 and over
All young people have a right to stay in education or training until their 18th birthday. This is so that you develop skills and knowledge that you might need when you are older.
Choose where to study
If you want to stay in education after 16 you can choose to go to:
- sixth form
- college
- join a training programme
Sixth form is:
- the last two years at a school
- for young people aged 16 to 18
Colleges are:
- separate from schools
- for young people aged 16 to 25 years old
- able to offer you a wider range of things to study
Find out more about the different qualifications available on the Post 16 website Go to https://www.p16p.co.uk/qualifications-explained (opens new window)
Find a course in Bristol
To help you find a course see:
- pdf directory of courses (3.38 MB) in Bristol for all young people
- if you're under 18 and have left education, the Post 16 team can help you, email Post16Participation@bristol.gov.uk Go to mailto:Post16Participation@bristol.gov.uk (opens new window)
Education for ages 18 and over
After your 18th birthday, you can choose to:
- stay in education
- join a training course
- find work
Stay in education
There are lots of higher education courses you can choose from:
- search the UCAS website Go to https://www.ucas.com/ (opens new window) to find a course that suits you
- Bristol Works for Everyone can support you to access a range of courses, email Paul.Gaunt@bristol.gov.uk Go to mailto:Paul.Gaunt@bristol.gov.uk (opens new window)
How to get extra help at school, college or university
If you have a special need or disability, you may need extra help in a range of areas such as:
- reading, writing, number work or understanding information
- expressing yourself or understanding what others are saying
- making friends or talking to others
- organising yourself
- sensory or physical needs which may affect your learning
Who can help arrange support in learning
Your school, college or university will have a person whose job it is to make sure you get the support you need. They're sometimes called a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). If they don't know you need extra support, you can speak with your parents or carers about telling them.
If you feel you need extra support and are struggling, you may need a support plan.
If you have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, your school, college or training provider will use this to make sure you're supported in your learning.
If you need support to tell them what type of help you need, you can contact the free service managed by SEND And You (SAY).
Benefits you can apply for
You might be able to apply for different types of benefits. Find out about other benefits you may get.
