Further and higher education colleges and 6th forms

Further and higher education colleges

Further and higher education colleges offer a variety of courses leading to academic and vocational qualifications.

  • Further Education (FE) is normally open to students aged 16 and over.
  • Higher Education (HE) normally applies to those age 18 and over.
  • Some students may be eligible for financial assistance for living expenses and travel costs

Further education colleges

  • London South East Colleges (LSEC) - The college has two campuses in Bromley and Orpington which offer vocational and technical education (T Levels) and training to all age groups (16+) as well as access to higher education, degrees, HNCs, HNDs and many other professional qualifications for adult students (19+). The College is rated by Ofsted as 'Good with outstanding features', is a winner of the 2019 Queens Anniversary Prize and three TES FE Awards including Best FE Provider in 2021. If you have ambition and want to succeed in your career, London South East Colleges will help you make it happen.
  • Capel Manor College vocational college - The college has two campuses in Bromley and Mottingham which offer courses in arboriculture and countryside, conservation, animal care and management, garden design and horticulture. Courses are available for students at all levels and all ages from 14+.

Further education colleges for young people with SEND

  • London South East Colleges - Nido Volans Centre is based at the College's Bromley and Bexley Campuses. The centre offers students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) an excellent range of courses, facilities and work experience opportunities including a supported internship programme. In its last Ofsted report, our SEND provision was rated as 'Outstanding'.
  • Livability Nash College of Further Education - Livability Nash College is an independent specialist further education college for disabled students aged 19-25. The college caters for students with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including those with physical, communication and sensory disabilities, medical conditions, autism, and those students with severe and complex learning disabilities.
  • The Shaw Trust Enterprises at Scadbury Park is a small Horticulture social business based in Chislehurst. They deliver a range of commercial activities that create ‘real’ work and training opportunities. They offer training and skills development that focuses on horticulture and customer service helping young people to become more independent. 
  • The Shaw Trust - Growing places supported internship programme provides skills training and employment opportunities for people under 25 years old with an active Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). These internships are accessible for people with physical, sensory, mild to moderate learning disabilities, autism and/or mental ill health or other barriers that impact on access to work. 

Higher Education

  • Bromley Adult Education College offers part time-time courses
  • London South East Colleges offers a wide range of higher education courses and professional qualifications. Degrees are validated by the University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church University. The cost of studying a degree course locally means lower course fees (without compromising the quality of teaching and learning), with no need to move away from home and travel long distances. If you have ambition and want to succeed in your career, tour University Centre will help you make it happen 
  • Ravensbourne (specialises in design and communication and based in Greenwich) 

Next steps 

  • For information about the range of courses available and how to apply visit the College website or contact the colleges directly
  • You can also learn about other specialist Colleges, Further and Higher Education colleges or universities through Natspec who are the membership association for organisations who offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Information and advice for young people with SEND

For more information about post 16 education and training choices and options that are open to young people from the age of 16 onwards. 

For details of the range of support and assistance that may be funded through disabled students’ allowances (DSAs). 

Learn more about preparing for adulthood including education and finding employment.