Preparing for adulthood: Studying, training and employment

Preparing for adulthood: Post-16 options (age 16 to 18)

After finishing Key Stage 4, young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) have a range of post-16 options to help them continue learning and growing. These include college courses, vocational qualifications, T-levels, apprenticeships, or supported internships.

Choosing the right path helps them build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for the future. With the right choices, post-16 education can help SEND students achieve their goals and thrive.

After Year 11, young people must continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. They can choose from:

  • A-levels (typically studied at school sixth forms or colleges)
  • Apprenticeships (work-based training with a salary)
  • Vocational qualifications (practical courses such as BTECs or T Levels)
  • Work or volunteering combined with part-time education


Where can young people study?

Sixth form: Located within schools, offering academic and vocational courses. Find a list of secondary schools on the council website.

Mainstream further education (FE) colleges: Provide vocational and technical training, including T Levels and higher education pathways.

London South East Colleges (LSEC) has three campuses in Bromley, Greenwich 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+).

Capel Manor College has two campuses in Bromley (Crystal Palace Park 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+.

Specialist further education (FE) colleges: Cater to young people with Education, Health, and Care plans (EHC plan often referred to as an EHCP).

London South East Colleges’ Nido Volans Centre is based at the Bromley and Bexley Campuses. The centre offers a range of courses, facilities and work experience opportunities, including a supported internship programme.

RSBC Dorton College is an independent specialist day college supporting students with vision impairment (VI), some with additional needs, from the age of 16 at The Walnuts in Orpington.

Helping young people make decisions

Parents can support their child’s decision-making by:

  • Attending school/college options evening
  • Encouraging discussions with careers advisers and teachers
  • Exploring future career interests together

For more information: