Post-16 support for young people in care and care leavers
If you're in care or have recently left care, there’s support to help you plan your next steps in education, training or work. You don’t have to figure it all out alone — we’re here to help.
What is post-16 support?
Our Post-16 Team is part of the Virtual School. We work with young people aged 16–18 (Years 12 and 13) who are in care or care leavers. We’ll help you explore your options and make sure you get the support you need.
You'll have termly Education, Employment and Training (EET) planning meetings (PEPs) during years 12 and 13. If you stay in education beyond year 13, the care leaver EET team will continue to support you.
By law, you must be in education or training until you're 18. We’ll help you:
- understand your choices
- get advice and guidance
- plan your next steps
- stay on track with regular check-ins
Meet the team
Katie Foster – post-16 adviser
Katie supports young people in care and care leavers in Years 12 and 13. She works with schools, colleges, carers, and social workers to make sure you get the help you need.
Andy Sienkiewicz – post-16 tutor
Andy offers 1:1 or small group support with English, maths, college work, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). He also runs voluntary projects and is part of the Venture with Confidence team.
Request tuition support from Andy (MS Word, 34KB). Email your completed form to katie.foster@cheshireeast.gov.uk.
Jenni Goodall – learning mentor
Jenni helps with confidence, wellbeing, and planning for higher education. She can support you with personal statements, student finance, and finding the right course.
Request mentoring from Jenni (MS Word, 72KB). Email your completed form to katie.foster@cheshireeast.gov.uk.
Duncan Hales – attendance officer
Duncan works with schools and colleges to help you stay on track with attendance and supports your move from Year 11 to post-16 education.
Your options after year 11
Sixth form
Stay at your current school or move to a new one. Sixth forms offer A Levels and BTECs. Visit open evenings to explore courses.
Local colleges
Colleges offer a wide range of courses. You can apply online and check entry requirements. As a care-experienced young person, you’re entitled to a bursary to help with costs.
Training providers
Training providers offer practical courses and apprenticeships. For more information, see the Total People website.
Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn. You’ll get a qualification and work experience.
Search for apprenticeships on GOV.UK.
As a care-experienced young person, you’re entitled to a £3,000 apprenticeship bursary.
Other programmes
- King’s Trust – support for 16–25 year olds. Ask your adviser for details.
- Supported internships – for those with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). More on supported internships.
- Specialist provision – if you have an EHCP, your special educational needs and disability (SEND) key worker can help you explore options.
Extra support just for you
- Venture with Confidence – a 12-week employability programme with activities and support to plan your future.
- Cygnet 2020 – work experience for young people in care.
- Safe Opportunities – supportive work experience placements.
- Higher Horizons – help with exploring university and raising aspirations.
- Propel into Education – information and advice for care-experienced young people thinking about college or university.
- Spring Forward – outreach from independent schools to help care leavers get into higher education.
Financial support
You may be entitled to:
Need help?
Contact Katie Foster, post-16 adviser
Phone: 07817 481221
Email: katie.foster@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Page last reviewed: 06 August 2025
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