Education (16-25)

Post-16 education can include colleges, 6th forms, apprenticeships, supported internships, and more.  There are lots of options for education and training for school leavers and young people.

  • Click here to learn about additional help and SEN Support available at Post-16 settings.
  • Click here to view Education/Training/Employment Support Programmes for Young People not currently accessing education, training or employment.
Mainstream Settings

Southwark College offer an exciting range of work-focused courses.

Additional learning support is provided for all students who need it.  This may include providing you with extra time, a scribe or reader in exams, extra support in or outside the classroom.  The college also has specialist tutors and additional support for students with needs related to dyslexia, sight, hearing and mobility. 

If you would like to talk through additional learning support before you join your course, the team will be available during enrolment and induction to discuss possible support, including individual learning plans, regular progress reviews, access to software and specialist equipment laptop loans, one-to-one specialist tuition or assistance in class.

Southwark College campus is accessible. If you will need additional support during enrolment (such as a signer or speaking guide), please email details in advance to info@southwark.ac.uk.

Supported Learning Courses 

Supported Learning courses support people with Educational Health Care Plans and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to gain more independence, improve knowledge and get the guidance and encouragement they need to successfully move into work.

Address

Southwark College, 25 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF 

College website

Bosco College has been working with young people for over 20 years.

Students are encouraged and supported to build themselves a career, despite any personal challenges they may have. They will help you choose the right pathway, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace but also helping build self-discipline.

Courses

Bosco's aim is to get you ready for the world of work. If you sign up for their study programme you will choose a vocational core subject that will help you enter your chosen area of work.

Bosco will always attempt to create a personalised course for all students.  There are various starting points on your learning journey depending on your previous qualifications and any specific emotional or learning needs.  Further information about courses can be found on the Bosco College website.

Contact

Address: 281 Jamaica Road, London, SE16 4RS

Telephone: 020 7232 0440

Email: info@bosco.ac.uk

Website 

Lewisham College is a large further education college.

Additional Learning Support is provided for all students who need it. You may need help if, for example you have had extra time, a scribe or reader in exams, require extra support in or outside the classroom, in English, Maths or you have been in the UK for less than two years and have ESOL needs.  This may include specialist tutors whilst studying and additional support for dyslexia, sight, hearing impairment or mobility.

If you would like to talk through additional learning support before you join your course, the team will be available during enrolment and induction where we can discuss possible support, including individual learning plans, regular progress reviews, access to software and specialist equipment laptop loans, one-to-one specialist tuition or assistance in class.

Lewisham College campus is accessible. If you will need additional support during enrolment (such as a signer or speaking guide), please let us know in advance by contacting info@lewisham.ac.uk.

Supported Learning Courses

If you join a Lewisham College supported learning course, you will be part of a small, friendly group of students. Learn at your own pace with a range of courses, including Independent and Enterprise programmes, Preparation for Work programmes, Pathway to Independence programmes, and Vocational Tasters.

Address 

Lewisham Way campus: Lewisham Way. London, SE4 1UT

Website  

Lambeth College offer a wide range of courses and apprenticeships to students.

Students with a range of additional needs can access the colleges Additional Learning Support (ALS) service.  This provides support for students who have learning difficulties, disabilities or medical conditions. This additional support is designed to help you maximise your potential to succeed. Support can be provided for students with:

  • Specific Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities
  • Hearing, Visual, Sensory and Mobility Difficulties
  • Autism
  • Physical Disabilities and Medical Conditions
  • Mental Health Difficulties and Mental Ill Health
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Mild, Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties
  • English and Maths: development of skills

Inclusive Learning Courses at Lambeth College are available to students with an EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan) aged 16-25 years.  Courses are 16 hours per week and include: 

  • Creative Media and Performing Arts
  • Catering
  • Digital Skills
  • In the Garden
  • In the Kitchen
  • Preparation for Employment
  • Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
  • Independent Living Skills
  • Learning for the Community
  • Life and Work Skills
  • Retail Enterprise
  • Transition
  • Tasters for Progression
  • Sports 

Contact

Brixton Campus - 56 Brixton Hill, SW2 1QS

Clapham Campus - 45 Clapham Common South Side, SW4 9BL

EmailInfo@southbankcolleges.ac.uk 

Website

Capital City College Group is London’s largest further-education college group comprising three colleges: City and Islington College, Westminster Kingsway College (WKC), and the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

Each WKC centre offers an extensive range of academic and vocational courses for all 16-18-year-olds and adult learners. 

Foundation and Supported Learning Courses starting September 2025 are available at the following centres:

Contact details

King's Cross Centre 211 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8RA -  0207 832 5000 (Press option 2)

Alexandra Centre Ainsworth Way, London, NW8 0SR -  0207 832 5000 (Press option 2)

Kennet West Skills Centre Kennet Road, Maida Hill, London, W9 3LG - 0870 060 9800

South Thames College deliver courses in further and higher education across three college sites in Wandsworth, Tooting and Merton.

The college also has a dedicated site in Merton called Aurora, a specialist centre for 16-25 year olds with an autistic spectrum disorder and/or complex needs. Each site has different courses available.

Learning Support

Learners studying on mainstream courses who have a learning difficulty, disability or health condition can access a range of support.  The college will assess your needs and make recommendations.  See the learning support page for further details.   

Contact

For more information about Learner Support at South Thames College please click here.

Capel Manor College offers a range of full and part-time land-based courses which lead to nationally recognised qualifications and potential progression into employment or on to further study. The college deliver a range of courses from Animal Management, Floristry, Garden Design and Horticulture.

Learning support is provided by our expert team of Learning Support Assistants, all of whom are experienced in meeting the needs of those with a wide range of learning difficulties and/ or disabilities.

Foundation Learning

The Foundation Learning programme provides essential preparation for vocational courses, apprenticeships, internships, or employment.

The aim of Foundation Learning is to nurture your personal, social, and employability skills. Students participate in diverse class-based and practical activities, gaining exposure to the land-based industry and earning necessary qualifications in maths and English.

These courses suit 16 to 18-year-olds with minimal formal qualifications, as well as 16 to 23-year-olds with EHCPs. Applicants should enjoy outdoor work and practical activities, meeting the English and maths Entry Level 2 requirement.

Contact

  • Crystal Palace Park Campus, Ledrington Road, London, SE19 2BS - Tel: 020 8778 5572  
  • Mottingham Campus, Mottingham Lane, London, SE12 9AW - Tel: 020 8676 0870,
  • Regents Park Campus, The Store Yard Inner Circle, Regent's Park, NW1 4NR - Tel: 020 7486 7930

Website

Morley is a London-wide college with centres in North Kensington, Chelsea, Waterloo and Stockwell as well as online. Morley College provide learning opportunities in English, Maths and Digital Skills at each centre, they are a specialist college in the Arts and Social Sciences. Each centre has a range of courses at each level of learning.

Levels of study include, qualifications for adults, short courses, 16-18 courses, higher education and essential skills.

Further information

Please click the following links for additional informaiton:

Centres

Southwark Construction Skills Centre provides training facilities to deliver an innovative 'real-life' construction experience, with a focus on those who live in Southwark, Lambeth and Lewisham. Their aim is to increase employment and training opportunities in the construction sector for local people. An approved CSCS Test Centre, which is the leading skills certificate scheme within the UK construction industry. Courses include apprenticeships, NVQ qualifications, short courses and school engagement schemes.

Courses

The Construction Skills Centre provide both on and off site training in a range of skills.  Visit the website to see the range of courses on offer.

Contact

Email: info@theskillscentre.co.uk

Tel: 0203 621 1940

Location: Surrey Quays Road, Canada Water, SE16 7PJ

Big Creative Education (BCE) offer courses and progression routes from Entry Level through to Level 3 (for 16-18 year olds and up to 25 if the learner has an EHC Plan). BCE offer courses in: Digital Media, Gaming, Drama, Dance, Fashion, Events Management, Music Production, Music Performance, Music Business. BCE also offers apprenticeships in Media, Marketing and Events. 

Apply on the website

Contact

Email: recruitment@bigcreative.education

  • Big Creative Academy, Clifton Avenue, E17 6HL - Tel: 020 8498 3300
  • Big Creative Training, Uplands House, E17 5QJ - Tel: 020 3873 5800

We are a specialist music industry college for 16 to 19 year olds are based in Old Street, Islington.

We offer full time music courses (with pathways in music performance, music production and music business) as well as maths and English GCSEs for those who have not achieved grade 4 or above in these subject areas.

We were very proud to be recently placed in Audio Media International’s ‘Top Ten Music Production Colleges’ list.

Our Level 2 and 3 qualifications are RSL (Rockschool) accredited and we are happy to support students with applications and site visits to explain more about our exciting progression options.

Students get access to industry mentors, masterclasses, Work Experience Placements (in the music business), one to one music tuition (in musicianship, production, singing, songwriting), Progression support (including UCAS applications), Outstanding alumni network, Regular external showcase opportunities to perform, Partnerships with music publishing, management and labels.

We are very proud of our close relationship with Soapbox, an established 21st century youth centre in Islington. SoundSkool students benefit from this relationship with all students receiving wraparound enrichment services following college which include VR, coding, music, gaming, studio bookings and masterclasses.

For further information, please visit our website.

Address

SoundSkool, Soapbox, 69-85 Old Street, EC1V 9HX

Contact

Tel: 07539 538 850

Email: info@soundskool.co.uk

Application link: https://www.soundskool.co.uk/apply-now/

Shooters Hill Sixth Form College, South East London, provides a range of A-Level courses, Art and Design programmes at Level 1 & 2, Apprenticeships and entry level programmes for learners with special educational needs.  Their services and infrastructure enable young people with the widest range of abilities, needs, interests and experiences, the opportunity to participate fully in all of the courses and facilities that they offer.

There is wheelchair access across Shooters Hill and they have an on-site hearing impairment team and a large learning support team, who are on hand to provide specialised services to our students.

Foundation Learning Courses are delivered in a safe, challenging and great environment for young people.  The aim is for you to develop a range of skills that will support your independence into adulthood and/or employment and the wider community.

Location

Shooters Hill Sixth Form College, Red Lion Lane, SE18 4LD

Contact

Tel: 020 8319 9700

Email: admin@shc.ac.uk

Special Educational Needs
Phone: 020 8319 9707
Website: https://www.shc.ac.uk/supportedlearning

The Supported Education programme, based at the Croydon College campus, provides a unique opportunity for young people with disabilities, learning difficulties and/or health conditions to transition into vocational study, employment and independent living whilst supporting learners’ personal progress through a broad curriculum from school into their adult life. There are two strands of Employability and Progression with Independent Living skills embedded into both where appropriate for the young person.   

Please see the Croydon College website for further information.

City Lit is one of London’s largest providers of courses with classes taking place during the day, in the evenings and at weekends, 

This includes a range of online and classroom based Specialist Learning Courses.

Location:  Keeley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4BA (main site) 

Click here to visit the National Careers Service for advice and guidance for school-leavers.
 

Specialist SEN Settings 

Highshore is a complex mixed needs special secondary (age range 11 – 19) school situated in Camberwell, in the London Borough of Southwark.  Pupils have a range of needs, including: Complex medical needs,  Downs Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Speech, Language and Communication difficulties, ADHD and Physical disabilities

In the 6th form we aim to help students to develop academically, personally and socially, in preparation for a challenging and changing world. We focus on students being able to apply their communication and life skills in school, at home and in the community to enable them to achieve as much independence as possible.

Tuke is a secondary school for young people aged 11 - 19 who have severe, complex or profound learning disabilities.  Based in Daniel Gardens, Peckham, Tuke supports students with a wide range of needs and learning disabilities including:

  • severe and complex learning disabilities,
  • sensory or physical disabilities,
  • autism and challenging behaviours.
  • Students who also have additional medical needs are supported well during their time in school.

Tuke's aim is to encourage maximum independence.  Skills are taught giving students every opportunity to use their developing skills in a realistic context. For students aged 16 – 19 years (key stage 5 or Sixth form) we have developed a suitable curriculum.

The focus areas include:

  • Daily Living,
  • Work related learning and work experience
  • Keeping healthy,
  • Community Links,
  • Communication,
  • Functional independence,
  • Creative Expression,
  • Physical options
  • Personalized learning.

Opportunities to link with post school providers such as local further education and independent specialist provision are organised as appropriate to the individual

Spa is a school for students aged 11-19 with a primary diagnosis of Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. The school is situated in Monnow Road (off Southwark Park Road) in the Bermondsey district of the London Borough of Southwark.

Key Stage 5 students are recognised as young adults. The focus of the curriculum is to prepare students for the future and the transition to adulthood.

Students develop their travel skills through off-site learning. Activities can include attending local sports centres, residential trips, trips to museums, galleries and theatres.

The KS 5 curriculum responds to students’ interests. The options programme is developed to offer accredited courses based on pupils’ interests. Students have opportunities to select the courses of their choice as well as trying out new experiences. A broad range of accredited units are also available through the ASDAN Personal Progress course

Reach your full potential with the Roots and Shoots learning, training and employment experience.

Every student who attends Roots and Shoots can expect a programme tailored to their individual learning needs and employment goals. We've listed below the qualifications that a student can hope to achieve - these work with each other, with the Foundation Learning Programme.

Within the Vocational strand at Roots and Shoots we deliver Retail Skills, Floristry and Horticulture Skills. Within the Personal, Social Development (PSD) strand we deliver Employability and Personal Development all available at Award, Certificate or Diploma level.

English, maths and ICT training is available from Entry to Level 1. All qualifications are City & Guilds ensuring high quality and recognition by employers and colleges. As part of the tailored approach we can offer learner specific bolt-on courses to create outcomes closest to the young person’s ambitions.

Location

Roots and Shoots, Walnut Tree Walk, Kennington, London, SE11 6DN

Contact

Telephone: 02075 871 131

Email: office@rootsandshoots.org.uk  

Website

The Park College is a special educational needs college in Southwark for young people aged 19-25 with autism and/or moderate learning difficulties. Training courses at the college prepare young people with autism for work and independent adult life. We teach employment skills and support students into work at the end of their courses. Students are supported to realise their potential and encouraged to make informed choices and decisions about things that are important in their lives.

Skills for Work: a training programme for students working at Entry Level focusing developing employment skills.

Into Employment: a work skills programme for students working above Level 1.

Off to work: a one-year intensive training programme for young people who have already completed college courses or placements.

Click here to watch a YouTube video of featuring students from The Park College

London South East Colleges is one of the main further education providers for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the boroughs of Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich. The SEND team provides discrete study programmes at our Bromley and Bexley Nido Volans Centres. These study programmes meet the needs of learners who present with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, working at different cognitive levels, ranging from complex to mild.

We currently provide approximately 260 places for learners aged between 16 and 24. Our study programmes are planned and delivered in line with the four themes highlighted within the learners’ education, health and care plans.

Our programmes have two clear pathways, with the potential to overlay. The first pathway is into independent life and the other into employment. A personalised timetable created for a learner is built around their needs, aspirations and the outcomes highlighted within their plan.

Please visit our website for further information. 

Orchard Hill College is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, November 2019) offering life-changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We have nine vibrant community based College Centres across London and Surrey where committed, specialist teams deliver a range of programmes to meet the needs of over 400 students.

Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individual and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.

 We offer different courses and you will be assessed to ensure you are on the most appropriate course:

  1. Foundation Skills for Life
  2. Skills for Work and Living

For more information on the above courses visit: https://orchardhill.ac.uk/courses/

We also offer WorkStart courses which is a package of employment courses from Orchard Hill College. WorkStart gives you the opportunity to gain work experience and qualifications. Our Job Coaches will work with you one-to-one to get you on track to achieving your ambitions.

We offer the following courses:

  • Pathway to Employment
  • Preparation for Employment
  • Short Courses

Supported Internships – we offer the below courses with our partners:

  • DFN Project Search Supported Internship Achieving for Children, Kingston
  • DFN Project Search Supported Internship; Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
  • DFN Project Search Supported Internship; The Hillingdon Hospitals
  • DFN Project Search Supported Internship with London Borough of Hillingdon
  • DFN Project Search Supported Internship with London Borough of Lambeth
  • DFN Project Search Supported Internship with NHS England

Our WorkStart website is workstart.me.uk

 Ambitious College is an independent specialist day college for autistic young people.  They offer a personalised curriculum with support for learners aged 16–25.

Location

The college is in two mainstream further education college campuses:

  • Pears Campus at CONEL, Clyde Road, South Tottenham, London, N15 4FY  
  • Pears Campus at West Thames College, London Road, Isleworth TW7 4HS

Each campus has a team of professionals including:

  • Teachers
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Employment Specialists
  • Behaviour Analysts
  • Specialist Support Staff  

Further information

Please visit the Ambitious College website for further information. 

Beckmead College is a specialist college for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. 

Beckmead College's broad curriculum includes maths, English, science, art, ICT, citizenship, employability, media, PSHE, and sports/fitness.  Their extensive vocational department consists of carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating and multi-skills workshops and a mechanics workshop to support construction and mechanics qualifications, alongside substantial hospitality and catering facilities and a state-of-the-art recording studio.

Students are able to work towards GCSEs, functional skills and entry level qualifications.   

Location

Tennison Road, South Norwood, SE25 5RR 

Contact

Tel: 020 8289 4701 

Email:  CollegeOffice@beckmeadtrust.org

Website

Dorton College website

RSBC Dorton College offers a day provision for vision impaired students (16-25).

Based in the London Borough of Bromley, we promote best-in-class, inclusive education and learning at all levels. Students follow an individual programme of academic learning and skills development, including support from a QTVI and help with specialist technology.

We work closely with a range of partners, from both mainstream and specialist educational settings, to ensure that students get the very best from their time with us. We have ‘hybrid’ partnership arrangements with local General Further Education Colleges, which further increases the range and opportunities our students have access to.

Autus can help young people with Autism to gain nationally recognised qualifications without the need for you to attend a busy college site. With our programme you will:

- Log into our campus for workshops and tutorials and 1:1s
- Use our online portfolio to capture your progress and display evidence for assessment;
- Achieve your qualification in a safe, positive and non threatening environment

We offer a range of courses from Entry Level to Level 3. Our most popular programmes include Employability Skills, Leadership Skills and Personal Progress, however we offer more including IT Qualifications so contact us to discuss your requirements.

Contact details:
t: 07432 300287
e: info@autus.org.uk
Website: Click here

A full-time, two-year, employability programme for autistic young people aged 18-25, with an Education Health & Care Plan. The Autism Project is a full time course run over 2 years; students attend  Monday to Friday, for 36 weeks per academic year. The aim of the course is to help young autistic adults (18-25) prepare for employment by offering work experience placements in a supportive environment

Overview: Working in partnership with Whittington Health, Guy’s, and St. Thomas’ hospitals. Students carry out their work placements in one of our hospital sites during year one. Year two focuses more on work readiness and giving students the option to gain experience outside of the hospitals in roles to match their interests and skills.

More information: Click here to visit the website
Application form

Further information

Visit Natspec for details of organisations that offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities aged 16 to 25.

Visit John Catt's Special Needs Guide for independent special education schools and colleges for those aged 16+


Click here to view the independent special schools and colleges approved by the Secretary of State under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014

Visit our Employment and Training pages for Apprenticeships, Supported Internships and other opportunities for young people interested in further education, training or employment.