Moving from secondary to post 16 education settings

Moving into the later stages of education (after year 11) can be an exciting and anxious experience for a young person. It is important support is put in place to help this transition and to help prepare for adulthood as early as possible through an annual review.

Annual review

Preparing for adulthood is a key part of the annual review process for young people with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

The annual review meeting is held a year before they move into the later stages of education. The meeting allows for the young person to let us know of their preferences for moving into post 16 education. Once they have informed us, their EHC plan will be amended by 31 March for the new term in September of that year.

Schools will support your young person to help to plan and prepare as early as possible.

Find out more about the annual review process.

Education and employment support

From Year 9 onwards, young people should start to talk to a trusted adult about who they want to be when they're older, and what they want to do.

All young people should receive careers advice in year 10, to enable them to prepare for the last year of school. The advice should assist them whether they wish to apply for:

• a sixth form or college place
• specialist education and training
• work.

Carers advisors should note that any decisions or choices by the young person should be flexible, as over time their ideas and choices may change.