Post‑16 Education Support
Virtual School for Children in Care and Care Leavers
Young people can leave school on the last Friday in June of Year 11. From this point until they turn 18, the law requires them to remain in education, employment or training (EET).
This can include:
- Full‑time education, such as college or a school sixth form
- An apprenticeship or traineeship
- Employment or volunteering for 20 hours or more per week, combined with part‑time education or training
Careers Advice and Guidance
All learners should receive free, independent and impartial careers advice from a qualified Careers Adviser while at school.
The Virtual School ensures this support is in place through the Personal Education Plan (PEP) process.
Additional careers advice is also available through the National Careers Service.
Financial Support for Post‑16 Learners
16–19 Bursary
Young people who are looked after or care leavers and enrolled in full‑time post‑16 education may be eligible for the 16–19 Vulnerable Groups Bursary.
This funding helps remove barriers to learning, such as costs for equipment, meals or travel.
- Applications are made directly to the college or education provider
- Full guidance is available from the Education and Skills Funding Agency
Travel Assistance
Support with travel costs may also be available to help learners attend their course.
Details on eligibility and how to apply are provided by the local authority or education provider.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while learning and are available from entry level up to degree level.
They combine paid work with training and qualifications.
Information about current opportunities can be found via the national apprenticeships service.
How the Virtual School Supports Post‑16 Learners
Our aim is to ensure every child in care has the opportunity to flourish in adulthood.
Support begins in Year 11 and continues beyond Post‑16.
Year 11 Transition
Our Post‑16 Lead works alongside schools and partners to:
- Identify young people who may need extra help choosing a Post‑16 pathway
- Support those at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) including promoting opportunities such as The King’s Trust and You Choose
A multi‑agency approach ensures the right support is in place focussed on the young person’s wishes and feelings.
Support in Years 12 and 13
The Virtual School:
- Works with Post‑16 providers to track attendance, engagement and progress
- Reviews Personal Education Plans (PEPs) each term
- Works closely with social care to ensure additional support is provided where needed
Young people who need help to access or sustain education, employment or training are referred to appropriate services.
Post‑16 Personal Education Plans (PEPs) support children in care aged 16–18 (and beyond where appropriate) to achieve their education, training and employment goals. This includes young people who are not currently engaged in education, training or employment (NEET).
Post‑16 PEPs build on earlier PEPs and focus on clear progression pathways into further education, training, apprenticeships or employment. They capture the young person’s aspirations, strengths and support needs, and set out agreed actions to help them succeed and prepare for adulthood.
Led by the Virtual School in partnership with the young person, carers, social workers and education providers, Post‑16 PEPs help to:
- Promote high aspirations and positive outcomes
- Ensure appropriate provision, funding and support are in place
- Monitor attendance, progress and well‑being
- Support transitions and participation in education or training
- To provide support for young people to re-engage with work and learning opportunities to help meet their aspirations.
