Learning doesn't have to stop when you leave school or college. Whether you want to gain new qualifications, develop skills for work, study for personal interest or take the next step into higher education, there are lots of opportunities available.
This section brings together information about adult education, college courses, online learning and going to university. You'll also find details of bursaries and financial support that may help with the cost of learning, as well as support available through Hampshire Virtual School, Virtual College and charities that help care leavers continue in education. Whatever your goals, there are options to help you keep learning and achieve your ambitions.
The Virtual College supports young people aged 16–18 as they move into further education,employment or training.
The Virtual College can:
Provide careers guidance.
Help with college and training applications.
Support apprenticeship applications.
Assist with employment opportunities.
Offer personalised support and planning.
Promote progression to apprenticeships,university and sustainable employment.
Your Personal Advisor can help you access Virtual College support whereappropriate.
What can the Virtual College help you with?
Search for apprenticeship opportunities.
Complete applications.
Prepare for interviews.
Access support and funding.
The Virtual College supports young people aged 16–18 as they move into further education,employment or training.
The Virtual College can:
Provide careers guidance.
Help with college and training applications.
Support apprenticeship applications.
Assist with employment opportunities.
Offer personalised support and planning.
Promote progression to apprenticeships,university and sustainable employment.
Your Personal Advisor can help you access Virtual College support whereappropriate.
What can the Virtual College help you with?
Search for apprenticeship opportunities.
Complete applications.
Prepare for interviews.
Access support and funding.
Schools must provide independent careers advice from Year 7 to Year 13, covering all education, training and employment options. This support should be personalised, inclusive and help young people—including those with SEND—make informed choices about their future.
What this means for parents and carers
As a parent or carer, you can expect your child’s school to:
help your child explore a range of realistic and meaningful options
provide clear information about post‑16 pathways
support your child to make decisions that are right for them, at the right time
If you would like more information, you can ask your child’s school for details of their careers programme or speak to their careers leader or SEND team.
Support from Hampshire Futures Education Participation Team
Hampshire Futures Education Participation Team online careers information provides free advice, information and resources to support young people as they begin to think about their future. This includes exploring options such as college, training, apprenticeships and employment, as well as building confidence and practical skills for adult life.
Young people can access online resources at their own pace, including activities and videos that help them understand their interests, strengths and possible pathways.
Hampshire Futures have also created an interactive guide for young people to help them choose what comes next after school.
The Southern Universities Network also has some helpful guides and videos to aid young people in making a decision about what they would like to study and what type of course might be right for them.
In addition to this Sense, Contact and Disability Rights UK all have helpful guides to post 16 options for young people with a disability.
Whoever you are and whatever you're interested in for a future career, there will be an option that is right for you.
Schools must provide independent careers advice from Year 7 to Year 13, covering all education, training and employment options. This support should be personalised, inclusive and help young people—including those with SEND—make informed choices about their future.
What this means for parents and carers
As a parent or carer, you can expect your child’s school to:
help your child explore a range of realistic and meaningful options
provide clear information about post‑16 pathways
support your child to make decisions that are right for them, at the right time
If you would like more information, you can ask your child’s school for details of their careers programme or speak to their careers leader or SEND team.
Support from Hampshire Futures Education Participation Team
Hampshire Futures Education Participation Team online careers information provides free advice, information and resources to support young people as they begin to think about their future. This includes exploring options such as college, training, apprenticeships and employment, as well as building confidence and practical skills for adult life.
Young people can access online resources at their own pace, including activities and videos that help them understand their interests, strengths and possible pathways.
Hampshire Futures have also created an interactive guide for young people to help them choose what comes next after school.
The Southern Universities Network also has some helpful guides and videos to aid young people in making a decision about what they would like to study and what type of course might be right for them.
In addition to this Sense, Contact and Disability Rights UK all have helpful guides to post 16 options for young people with a disability.
Whoever you are and whatever you're interested in for a future career, there will be an option that is right for you.
Here you can find details of all the colleges in Hampshire, including information about what support they offer care leavers.
If you'd like to go to university, we'll support you to explore your options and plan for your future. Your Personal Advisor can help you look at courses, universities, finance and the support available to care-experienced students.
What financial support can I get?
If you are a Former Relevant Care Leaver and go on to higher education, you may be entitled to financial support from Children's Services. This can include:
A Higher Education Bursary, paid over the life of your course:
A statutory £2,000 if you are studying while in a Staying Put arrangement.
An extra discretionary £1,100 for a total £3,100 if you are not in a Staying Put arrangement.
Access to a discretionary Hardship Fund of up to £1,500 in exceptional circumstances.
A Discretionary Equipment Fund of up to £1,400 for specialist equipment required for your course, where other funding is not available.
Your Personal Advisor will also help you apply for any university bursaries, grants or other funding you may be entitled to.
Travel Support for University Students
We provide discretionary support to travel to and from university of up to £180 per year. In addition to this, care leavers attending university may be able to receive support with travel costs linked to their studies, including travel to placements and other university-related commitments.
Please speak to your Personal Adviser for more information about eligibility and available support.
Setting Up Home
If you move into independent accommodation, Children's Services can help provide essential household items such as a bed, bedding, kitchen equipment and other items you need to live independently.
Support is based on your assessed needs.
Funding can be worth up to £3,000.
It is not paid as a cash lump sum.
Support is provided as and when items are needed during your move towards independence.
When you leave university, we provide a discretionary grant of up to £1,200 to help with the transition at the end of your course.
There is some helpful advice on what support you are entitled to on the Care Leavers Association website for care leavers.
Support for Higher Education After Age 21
You can receive Higher Education support for a full academic year if you are 24 or younger when that year of your course starts. Support gradually reduces as you get older because Children's Services duties end at age 25.
Example: If you start the first year of a degree aged 23, you can receive support for years 1 and 2, but not for year 3.
University Applications and Finance
If you would like to go to university, your college and Personal Advisor can support you with:
If you'd like to go to university, we'll support you to explore your options and plan for your future. Your Personal Advisor can help you look at courses, universities, finance and the support available to care-experienced students.
What financial support can I get?
If you are a Former Relevant Care Leaver and go on to higher education, you may be entitled to financial support from Children's Services. This can include:
A Higher Education Bursary, paid over the life of your course:
A statutory £2,000 if you are studying while in a Staying Put arrangement.
An extra discretionary £1,100 for a total £3,100 if you are not in a Staying Put arrangement.
Access to a discretionary Hardship Fund of up to £1,500 in exceptional circumstances.
A Discretionary Equipment Fund of up to £1,400 for specialist equipment required for your course, where other funding is not available.
Your Personal Advisor will also help you apply for any university bursaries, grants or other funding you may be entitled to.
Travel Support for University Students
We provide discretionary support to travel to and from university of up to £180 per year. In addition to this, care leavers attending university may be able to receive support with travel costs linked to their studies, including travel to placements and other university-related commitments.
Please speak to your Personal Adviser for more information about eligibility and available support.
Setting Up Home
If you move into independent accommodation, Children's Services can help provide essential household items such as a bed, bedding, kitchen equipment and other items you need to live independently.
Support is based on your assessed needs.
Funding can be worth up to £3,000.
It is not paid as a cash lump sum.
Support is provided as and when items are needed during your move towards independence.
When you leave university, we provide a discretionary grant of up to £1,200 to help with the transition at the end of your course.
There is some helpful advice on what support you are entitled to on the Care Leavers Association website for care leavers.
Support for Higher Education After Age 21
You can receive Higher Education support for a full academic year if you are 24 or younger when that year of your course starts. Support gradually reduces as you get older because Children's Services duties end at age 25.
Example: If you start the first year of a degree aged 23, you can receive support for years 1 and 2, but not for year 3.
University Applications and Finance
If you would like to go to university, your college and Personal Advisor can support you with:
Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn and learn at the same time and take between one to four years to complete.
They are a mixture of on-the-job and off-the-job training for young people and adults 16 and over.
On-the-job, you will gain key skills like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
Off-the-job, you will spend time working towards a recognised apprenticeship framework
To do an apprenticeship you must
be at least 16 years old,
live in England
not be in full-time education
There are lots of apprenticeships available, at different levels and in different industries.
You will be paid, and learn "on the job" as well as spending some time each week at college, or with another learning or training provider, studying towards your qualification. Apprenticeship levels range from Level 2 (equivalent to five good GCSEs) to Level 7 (equivalent to a masters degree)
Extra financial support for care leavers
If you are a care leaver under the age of 25 and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to the Apprenticeship Care Leaver Bursary. This is a £3,000 payment that does not need to be repaid and is designed to help remove financial barriers to completing an apprenticeship. The money could be used towards things like:
Travel costs.
Equipment or tools.
Work clothing.
Household bills.
Other essential expenses while you learn and work.
Speak to your Personal Adviser or training provider if you think you may be eligible.
Finding apprenticeship opportunities
Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised in a range of places and not all opportunities appear on one website. You may find opportunities through:
You do not have to tell an employer that you are care experienced unless you choose to. However, some people find that sharing this information helps them access additional support, funding or care leaver opportunities.
Many care-experienced young people develop qualities that employers value, including:
Resilience.
Independence.
Adaptability.
Problem-solving skills.
Empathy and understanding of others.
Where can I get help?
If you are interested in an apprenticeship, speak to:
Your Personal Adviser.
Hampshire Futures.
Your college or careers adviser.
Your Virtual School team (if applicable).
The Care Leaver team.
They can help you explore opportunities, prepare applications and identify any funding or support you may be entitled to.
Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn and learn at the same time and take between one to four years to complete.
They are a mixture of on-the-job and off-the-job training for young people and adults 16 and over.
On-the-job, you will gain key skills like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology
Off-the-job, you will spend time working towards a recognised apprenticeship framework
To do an apprenticeship you must
be at least 16 years old,
live in England
not be in full-time education
There are lots of apprenticeships available, at different levels and in different industries.
You will be paid, and learn "on the job" as well as spending some time each week at college, or with another learning or training provider, studying towards your qualification. Apprenticeship levels range from Level 2 (equivalent to five good GCSEs) to Level 7 (equivalent to a masters degree)
Extra financial support for care leavers
If you are a care leaver under the age of 25 and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to the Apprenticeship Care Leaver Bursary. This is a £3,000 payment that does not need to be repaid and is designed to help remove financial barriers to completing an apprenticeship. The money could be used towards things like:
Travel costs.
Equipment or tools.
Work clothing.
Household bills.
Other essential expenses while you learn and work.
Speak to your Personal Adviser or training provider if you think you may be eligible.
Finding apprenticeship opportunities
Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised in a range of places and not all opportunities appear on one website. You may find opportunities through:
You do not have to tell an employer that you are care experienced unless you choose to. However, some people find that sharing this information helps them access additional support, funding or care leaver opportunities.
Many care-experienced young people develop qualities that employers value, including:
Resilience.
Independence.
Adaptability.
Problem-solving skills.
Empathy and understanding of others.
Where can I get help?
If you are interested in an apprenticeship, speak to:
Your Personal Adviser.
Hampshire Futures.
Your college or careers adviser.
Your Virtual School team (if applicable).
The Care Leaver team.
They can help you explore opportunities, prepare applications and identify any funding or support you may be entitled to.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation offer grants of up to £1,000 for young people who are 18 – 25 and have been in care with Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council or Portsmouth City Council. Find their grant application form and a guide to help you complete it.
The Evelyn Mace Scholarship is for those in care or care leavers that have been in the care of Hampshire County Council. The fund is usually awarded to young people who are pursuing arts or drama, such as drama courses, music lessons or higher education that involves drama or the arts.
With the Unite Foundation scholarship, you’ll have accommodation and bills covered for up to 3 years at university. That includes all through the holidays too, so you don’t have to wonder where to go during Christmas or summer. You can even stay the summer after you graduate to plan your next move. The team will help you settle in, keep in touch and offer opportunities for employment and enjoyment.
Rees Foundation are keen to support grant applications from care experienced adults specifically to help with careers development and Higher Education where no other funding sources are available. They may help you with incidental costs whilst attending an education or training course, dependent on circumstances. They include (but are not limited to); equipment, materials and travel.
The Sutton Trust support young people from less advantaged backgrounds (including young people who are care experienced) to access leading universities and careers. They run engaging programmes that give students practical advice and leave them feeling inspired and more confident about their future.
Their programmes are completely free to attend. All costs – including travel, accommodation, food and activities – are paid for by the Trust and our partners.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation offer grants of up to £1,000 for young people who are 18 – 25 and have been in care with Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Southampton City Council or Portsmouth City Council. Find their grant application form and a guide to help you complete it.
The Evelyn Mace Scholarship is for those in care or care leavers that have been in the care of Hampshire County Council. The fund is usually awarded to young people who are pursuing arts or drama, such as drama courses, music lessons or higher education that involves drama or the arts.
With the Unite Foundation scholarship, you’ll have accommodation and bills covered for up to 3 years at university. That includes all through the holidays too, so you don’t have to wonder where to go during Christmas or summer. You can even stay the summer after you graduate to plan your next move. The team will help you settle in, keep in touch and offer opportunities for employment and enjoyment.
Rees Foundation are keen to support grant applications from care experienced adults specifically to help with careers development and Higher Education where no other funding sources are available. They may help you with incidental costs whilst attending an education or training course, dependent on circumstances. They include (but are not limited to); equipment, materials and travel.
The Sutton Trust support young people from less advantaged backgrounds (including young people who are care experienced) to access leading universities and careers. They run engaging programmes that give students practical advice and leave them feeling inspired and more confident about their future.
Their programmes are completely free to attend. All costs – including travel, accommodation, food and activities – are paid for by the Trust and our partners.
If something has gone wrong and you are not in education, training or employment and you are under 18, contact Hampshire Futures Team and they will help you.
If something has gone wrong and you are not in education, training or employment and you are under 18, contact Hampshire Futures Team and they will help you.
