College and University

Moving from school to college - advice and support

The earlier you start thinking about the move to college the better
Children Young People with SEND will need to have a good transition from secondary school to college
This is a very important transition and the earlier this is thought about, the better it will be.
Don’t be afraid to ask your college (or other education setting) any questions, no matter how silly you think they sound!
Do your research and look at the college website. Things like what support they can offer you, their Special Education Need Policy, Equality Objective and their SEN Information Report.
Parents and carers, talk to your young person about the move – what are they excited about? What are they worried about? How can family help? Also, talk to the secondary school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and/or the tutor to be clear about your child, their needs and outcomes.

Use our search to find local colleges and how they support young people with SEND.
Struggling to pick a course or college? Here are some top tips to making the right choice.
- What things interests you? List all the things you like and list of courses you would consider based on these interest.
- Do your research.
  The internet, your school careers adviser or Brent Youth Futures (Formerly Connexions) are the best sources of information. If you have an Education, Health Care Plan (EHCP) you can talk about this at your Annual Review meeting.
- Look at the course content.
  Look at the course outline and different subjects you will be learning. What are the different types of learning, assignments, tasks and exams?
- Course Duration
  Do you want to study part time or full time?
  Do you think you would be able to commit and finish the course? Do you think you would be able to commit and finish the course?
- What is the college like?
  Look at other similar courses, choose your top three and go and visit the colleges.
- Your needs -
  Would the college be able to support your disability, learning difficult or mental health needs?
  Speak to student support services and find out.
  If you have an EHCP, ask the SEN 0-25 Team to consult with the college on your behalf

Local College in Brent:
Information from the College of North West London

Specialist Equipment for young people with SEND can be requested.

UCAS is the the organisation which manages all university applications (University and College Admissions Service)
Make sure when you apply, you say you have a disability, a learning difficulty or a mental health condition as you might need additional support.
Do you have an EHCP? This stops when you start university, but don’t worry your university will assess your needs and put a support plan in place.
If you do not have an EHCP but have a disability or a learning difficulty, your university can arrange a diagnostic assessment to diagnose or discover your difficulties while learning.
Support for students? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions

Support and entitlements are available, see the finance support page for more information.