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Moving from secondary to post 16 education settings

Moving on from secondary school and thinking about what comes next can be an exciting time, but it can also feel uncertain.

There are lots of different options after Year 11, including sixth forms, colleges, specialist education settings, training and employment.

Planning for the future can start early. The aim is to help young people think about their interests, strengths and goals, so they can make informed decisions about their next steps.

This page explains the support available and how young people, parents and carers can prepare for this transition.

Annual reviews

Preparing for adulthood is an important part of the annual review process for young people with an education, health and care (EHC) plan.

The annual review before moving into post-16 education is particularly important because it helps plan the next stage of education, training and support.

This review usually takes place during the school year before a young person moves into post-16 education. It is an opportunity to discuss:

  • the young person's interests, strengths and goals
  • support needs
  • post-16 education, training and employment options
  • preferences for their next education setting

The young person's views should be at the centre of these discussions.

Any preferences for post-16 education should be shared during the annual review. Once a decision has been made, the young person's EHC plan will be updated by 31 March to name the education setting they will attend from September of that year.

Schools, families and professionals work together to help young people prepare for this transition as early as possible.

Find out more about the annual review process.

Careers guidance

All young people should receive careers guidance from Year 10 onwards.

Careers guidance helps young people understand the options available to them and explore different pathways after school.

This may include:

Young people's interests and ambitions may change over time. Exploring different options can help them find the path that best suits their needs, strengths and goals.

Education and employment support

From Year 9 onwards, it can be helpful for young people to start thinking about adult life and future opportunities.

This might include talking to parents, carers, teachers or other trusted adults about:

  • interests and hobbies they enjoy
  • subjects they are good at
  • skills they would like to develop
  • jobs and careers they might be interested in
  • education, training or employment opportunities

Getting ready for adulthood is a gradual process. Exploring options early can help young people build confidence and make informed decisions about their future.