All young people have to stay in education or training until their eighteenth birthday. This is so that they develop skills and knowledge that they might need when they're older.
Choose where to study
After the age of 16 they can choose to:
- go to sixth form
- go to college
- continue to be home educated
- join a training programme
Sixth form is:
- the last 2 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 a wider range of things to study
Find out more about the different qualifications available.
Study and train for work
Find out more about training for work.
Find a course in Dorset
Find information about sixth form schools and colleges that offer post 16 courses in Dorset.
Education for young people aged 18 and over
After their eighteenth birthday they can choose to:
- stay in education
- join a training course
- find a job
- take part in other community-based activities
Stay in education
There are lots of higher education courses they can choose from. Search the UCAS website to find a course that suits them.
How to get extra help at school, college or university if you're a young person with SEND
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
- mental health, social or emotional difficulties
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 co-ordinator (SENCO).
If they don't know you need extra support you can speak to 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 plan (EHCP) your school, college or training provider will use this to make sure you're supported in your learning. Find more information about planning what you want to do if you have an EHCP.
If you need support to tell them what type of help you need you can speak to SENDIASS, a free, impartial and confidential service.
If you're not in education, employment or training
Find out how we can support you if you're not in education, at work or training for a job.
Benefits you can apply for
Find out about different types of benefits you may be able to get.