Post-16 education and training (SEND)

When a young person is nearing school leaving age, they might find it useful to talk to the school's specialist careers advisor or a SENDIASS Young Person's Advisor, to better understand the available post-16 education and training opportunities in Herefordshire. The advisor will be able to present different options, including mainstream and special schools, study programmes, apprenticeships and colleges of further education. There is also information on the National Careers Service website.

Find out more about Post-16 options in this SENDIASS video:

Education and training providers

There are two specialist school sixth-form centres in Herefordshire:

There are also two specialist colleges of further education within the county:

To find out more about universal (non-specialist) further education providers, take a look at our leaving school section.

Independent specialist colleges

There are a number of independent specialist colleges around the country which provide day and residential education programmes for young people with complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities, who require a high level of expertise and support to transition into adulthood. The Department for Education website includes a list of independent special schools and colleges, including those approved on the Section 41 of the Children and Families Act.

If you would prefer to search for colleges by their area of expertise, visit the Natspec website.

Supported internships

A supported internship is a structured study programme, which is based primarily with an employer. The internship is unpaid and normally lasts for a minimum of six months. The young person will complete a personalised study programme, which includes the chance to study for relevant qualifications, where appropriate, along with English and maths.

National Development Team for Inclusion have created an easy read guide to supported internships.

Wherever possible, internships aim to support young people to move into paid employment upon completion. For those aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), it helps them to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with skills they need for work, through appropriate workplace learning.

To find out more, take a look at the supported internships guidance from the DfE.

Difference between a supported internship and apprenticeship

Supported internships and traineeships are work-based study programmes that aim to support young people into employment. Apprenticeships are paid jobs that include off-the-job training.

Supported internships are specifically for young people with an EHCP, and as such, they are expected to require a different level of support compared to a trainee or apprentice. They will have a job coach to support them in their workplace learning.

Supported interns are expected to need a longer programme than a trainee. Traineeships usually last between six weeks and six months with the aim of progressing people to an apprenticeship or employment as quickly as possible. Supported internships last for at least six months, and up to a year.

There are no entry or completion requirements for supported internships, and each learning provider will work with their supported interns to develop a personalised programme that meets their needs and provides progression and stretch.

Transport for post-16 students with SEND

Post-16 students with special educational needs and disabilities may have transport provided to the nearest suitable school or further education institution, irrespective of the normal statutory walking distances defined for primary or secondary pupils, if walking is too difficult for the student. Find out more in our post-16 transport policy.

Independent travel training

Our Independent Travel Trainers help young people with special educational needs, additional needs or disabilities to develop skills to enable them to travel more independently.

They'll carry out assessments with you and your family, your school, college or employer to help you:

  • Be more aware of your environment and other people
  • Recognise potential dangers
  • Use pavements and road crossings correctly and safely
  • Use public transport to get to and from school, college or work

To find out more about the service, email traveltraining@herefordshire.gov.uk or call Linda on 07792 880542 or James on 07792 881144.