Post-16 education, training and employment

The type of qualification the young person is considering will affect the type of setting that is available to them.

Some courses have more time within a classroom, where others are more hands on, with students learning whilst doing.

Young people should visit education settings that are offering the course/s they are interested in to find out more about what to expect.

Young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can complete a Post 16 placement preference form to let us know of their preferred education settings.

Sixth forms 

Sixth forms are attached to secondary schools and offer courses for 16 to 19 year olds.

Every sixth form is different, but they usually offer A Level courses, alongside some courses that are work-related.

Special school sixth forms offer work-related and life skills courses.

Further education colleges

Further education colleges offer a wider range of study programmes and courses, including those for mature students.

Eligibility for entry will depend on the course the young person is taking.

Specialist colleges

Specialist colleges are for young people who have significantly higher levels of need that cannot be met in mainstream education settings.

Eligibility is on an individual basis and will need agreement from the Council.

If the young person has named a specialist college in their Education, Health and Care Plan, then this will be considered by the Post-16 SEND Panel.

Training providers 

Trainer providers offer a smaller group environment and work-related or work-based learning (sometimes known as 'vocational') courses, which often specialise in specific areas related to employment.

Not in Education, Employment or Training

Young people aged 16 to 25 that are not in employment, education or training are classified as NEET.

The Council has a responsibility to:

• make sure there is enough suitable education / training for all young people aged 16 to 19, and for all those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan aged 20-24
• make support available to these young people that will encourage and help them to take part in education or training

In South Tyneside, young people that meet these criteria have a named Connexions advisor to support them with a range of options to re-enter education or employment.