Stay in full time education

When you finish year 11 you will enter post 16 education, all young people need to participate in some form of education or training until they are 18 years old. Here is an overview of the options and opportunities available in our local area, to help you decide which form of post 16 education you would prefer to progress into. It is important to start planning early, as this can help ensure a smooth transition. 

If you have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) you should start planning your post 16 journey from the early years and all through school. Preparing for adulthood should be discussed as part of your EHCP reviews, but it is essential to do so from year 9 onwards in school. Your EHCP will be updated from school as part of the annual review and if appropriate it can move with you into post 16 education. Your EHCP will outline your support needs and let the post 16 provider know exactly what you need to successfully engage in learning and complete the course.

Further education college

Our local colleges offer a wide variety of qualifications, at different academic levels - courses start at entry/foundation level through to level 3 such as A-levels and T-levels. The college will help make sure you are on the correct level of course once you have applied. 

Additional support in college is usually delivered through a dedicated additional learning support team. Additional support is there for students with/without an EHCP in line with Cheshire East's Toolkit for Inclusion. 

Colleges offer open days and can offer you additional transition visits before you enrol, so you can get used to the college environment and talk with staff about any concerns or worries before starting your course. Visit the individual websites for more information on full-time courses and support available.

• Cheshire College South and West 
• Reaseheath College
• Macclesfield College 

6th form school/college

Most 6th form schools/colleges offer qualifications at Level 3. These are academic (A-levels) and vocational (usually BTEC) qualifications. Level 3 usually requires Grades 4 to 9 at GCSE (5 GCSE's) and English and/or Maths Grades 6 to 9.

Additional support in a school setting will continue to be accessed via the SENCO. In a college setting there is a dedicated learning support lead who will ensure you receive the correct level of support. 

Training providers

Training providers are an alternative way of learning and gaining vocational qualifications. They usually offer study programmes, traineeships and apprenticeships. The training is usually combined with work experience. Training courses start at entry/foundation level and progress onto Level 3.

Training Providers will provide you with a key worker to help and support your learning, and if relevant the learning support team will review your EHCP.

Training providers local to Cheshire East are:

• Total People 
• Safe Opportunities

Higher education

Higher Education (HE) providers offer Level 4+ qualifications that you can progress on to after completing your Level 3 qualification at sixth form, college or with a training provider (or a relevant access to  HE course). 

Students with additional needs who progress on to degree level study in Higher Education can apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Your university of choice will be able to explain the assessment process and discuss your support needs. If you have an Education, Health and Care Plans it will cease once you leave further education and move into higher education.

Additional Support

Cheshire East Youth Support Service can offer help and advice to young people age 16-18 who are not in education, employment or training.