Preparing for college, further education or university

As a parent 

When you are looking at higher education options for your child, try to arrange the visits with your child. It’s important to think about: 

  • the location of the educational institution and the young person’s ability to travel 
  • the young person’s diagnoses and whether the school, college or university can meet their support needs 

You will need to discuss this with the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) with your child’s consent. 

If they do not have the capacity to consent, you can discuss their options with the SENCO on their behalf. 

You can support your child to make the transition to the next stage by: 

  • preparing them as soon as possible 
  • encouraging them to look at their options 
  • thinking about their travel needs and if they need travel training 
  • helping them accept that school is coming to an end 
  • encouraging them to attend leaving ceremonies 
  • helping them understand the differences between school and college 
  • considering if they need to learn any independence or life skills 

You will need to apply to the admissions department of the school, college or university your child wants to attend. If your child has an EHCP, we will apply for them. 

After results day, let your child’s SENCO know the outcome and think about how suitable the options are for your child. 

If your child has an EHCP and enrols at a school or college that we did not consult with, let us know as soon as possible. We can make sure they can meet the needs set out in their EHCP.  

As a young adult 

At college, you will have more responsibility and benefits. This can mean: 

  • being responsible for your own learning and completing your work 
  • being treated as a young adult 
  • having free periods or study time 
  • starting and finishing later in the day 
  • being allowed off the premises 
  • calling staff by their first names 
  • not wearing a uniform 
  • being around students much older than you 

Visiting the school, college or university you will be going to before you start can help you prepare.