Post-18 options
If you are aged 18 and over
From the age of 18 you can attend a higher education setting, for example a university.
Higher education often refers to studying at university.
If you go to university, your EHC plan stops. However, there are a variety of funding options and support available to you.
University
List of universities and course options, including applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance
Other educational settings
Settings including specialist further education (FE) colleges and online universities
Work-based learning and training
Employment, training or volunteering
Transport and travel options
Financial support
University
A university course usually takes 3 years to complete, and can lead to a qualification. They are often located in major towns and cities.
To attend you can:
• Move to the town where the university is located
• Stay at home
• Attend an online university
The UCAS website has a list of universities.
Universities have duties under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students. This can include support such as flexible seminar times, support for study skills or access to specialist computer software.
Students with higher needs may qualify for a Disabled Students’ Allowance to fund specific help such as note takers, sign language interpreters or computer equipment.
Other settings
Once you are 18, you are normally classed as an adult learner. In most cases, you cannot stay on at a school beyond 19. Schools are not legally set up to provide education for adult learners, as colleges are.
Some special schools have developed separate further education provision for 19 to 25 year olds.
Specialist further education (FE) colleges
A specialist further education college only provides education for those who have an EHC plan.
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.
Livability Nash College of Further Education is an independent specialist further education college for disabled students aged 19 to 25. The college caters for students with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including those with physical, communication and sensory disabilities, medical conditions, autism, and those students with severe and complex learning disabilities.
Online universities
If you want to attend an online university the Open University may be best for you. It allows you to study full time and part time, which means your studying can fit around your life.
Apprenticeships, traineeships or supported internships
Education does not have to be all classroom-based learning in a school or college.
There are also training options, which give you the chance to develop the skills you need for a particular job while continuing to study.
Apprenticeships
A programme that combines study towards qualifications with paid-on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are open to young people over 16 with or without EHC plans. They can lead to qualifications from GCSE level up to degree or diploma level.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great option for teens aged between 16 and 24 (or 25 for
individuals with an EHC plan), who don’t have the skills or experience to take on a job or apprenticeship.
A programme to help you gain skills to get a job or apprenticeship. It includes work experience and study. Traineeships are unpaid and usually last for six months or less.
Supported internships
This is a workplace training and study programme if you are aged between 16 to 24 and have an EHC plan. It is unpaid, based mainly at an employer and lasts for at least six months. The aim is to help you to take up paid employment at the end of the internship, which could be with the same employer.
You will follow a personalised programme. This includes on-the-job training and support from a work coach. It could also include studying for qualifications such as Maths and English, if appropriate.
Employment, training or volunteering
You can go to work, undertake voluntary work, become an intern or even set up your own business when you leave school.
However, you’ll still need to be doing part-time training or study at the same time that leads to a regulated qualification, like a Vocational Technical Qualification (VTQ). This means that as well as gaining valuable experience, you’ll also gain a recognised accreditation that supports your future career.
Part-time education or training alongside full-time work must be of at least 280 guided learning hours (GLH) per year. This means the equivalent of about one day a week spent being taught by a lecturer, supervisor or tutor. These hours can be taken flexibly around working hours, as distance learning, or in blocks.
If you are interested in this option, you should contact the National Careers Service where you can use an online chat to talk to a careers adviser.
Transport and travel options
Travel schemes and passes across the borough and beyond.
Accessible transport in Bromley
Download the Council’s guide to accessible transport to learn about travelling in Bromley and keeping safe while out and about.
Transport for London
You may be eligible for free and discounted travel on buses, trams and other transport services. Visit Transport for London’s website for information about Zip Oyster Photocards, 18+ Student Oyster photocards, Apprentice Oyster photocards and more.
Disabled persons Freedom Pass
This pass is for people under the age of 60 who have disabilities who wish to travel free on London buses, London Underground and Overground trains which includes some National Rail services.
Learn more about the eligibility criteria and what you will need when you apply on the Council website.
Other travel information
The travel schemes and passes page on the Local Offer website provides information about other transport and travel options.
Financial support
The GOV.UK website provides information about how you can get a student loan to pay your university fees and living expenses.
If you have an EHC plan, your EHC plan will stop. To help you during your time at university you may be eligible for:
- Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) – helps to cover some of your extra study-related costs associated with your needs
- Scholarships, grants and bursaries
For more funding support, you can read the Disability Rights UK factsheet.