We have lots of great colleges in Hampshire. There will be a college local to you but sometimes young people opt to travel to a college further away to do a particular course if it is not offered in their local college.
Do keep in mind that once a young person finishes school at 16, they are no longer entitled to free home to school transport. Transport may still be granted in exceptional circumstances but it may not be free.
To help you make your decision, here is some more about these colleges offer students with SEND.
Learning and Disability Support at Farnborough College of Technology
At FCOT, their aim is to provide ongoing support to assist students to be successful in their learning whilst supporting them in developing their independence. Students with learning difficulties or disabilities have a choice of progression routes.
Learning and Disability Support at Farnborough College of Technology
At FCOT, their aim is to provide ongoing support to assist students to be successful in their learning whilst supporting them in developing their independence. Students with learning difficulties or disabilities have a choice of progression routes.
Learning and Disability Support at St Vincent College
We aim not only to meet the needs of individuals, but also to anticipate those needs. These aims are adhered to throughout all aspects of college life from enquiry to admission and enrolment and finally to moving on from college.
Learning and Disability Support at St Vincent College
We aim not only to meet the needs of individuals, but also to anticipate those needs. These aims are adhered to throughout all aspects of college life from enquiry to admission and enrolment and finally to moving on from college.
Learning and Disability Support at City of Portsmouth College.
Explore our comprehensive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support services, providing inclusive and supportive learning experiences for all students.
Learning and Disability Support at City of Portsmouth College.
Explore our comprehensive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support services, providing inclusive and supportive learning experiences for all students.
Learning and Disability Support at Havant & South Downs College
HSDC is a leading Further and Higher Education College providing learning across three campuses in Hampshire - Alton, Havant & South Downs.
Learning and Disability Support at Havant & South Downs College
HSDC is a leading Further and Higher Education College providing learning across three campuses in Hampshire - Alton, Havant & South Downs.
Sparsholt College and University Centre
Learning and Disability Support at Sparsholt College
We have a dedicated Additional Learning Support Team, who want to help you reach your potential comprising of:
We aim to remove barriers to learning ensuring students achieve their outcomes. All of our support programmes are personalised to meet the needs of the learner as well as fostering independence in learning.
Sparsholt College is based across two campuses, one in Andover and one in Winchester.
Sparsholt College and University Centre
Learning and Disability Support at Sparsholt College
We have a dedicated Additional Learning Support Team, who want to help you reach your potential comprising of:
We aim to remove barriers to learning ensuring students achieve their outcomes. All of our support programmes are personalised to meet the needs of the learner as well as fostering independence in learning.
Sparsholt College is based across two campuses, one in Andover and one in Winchester.
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
Learning and Disability Support at Barton Peveril College
Barton Peveril is a fully inclusive college where students with additional needs thrive, achieving outcomes that surpass those of their peers. Our supportive environment fosters a strong sense of belonging for all members of our college community. We provide personalised scaffolded support to students with EHCPs and SEND with the aim of reducing learning, personal and social barriers and instil resilience and independence.
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
Learning and Disability Support at Barton Peveril College
Barton Peveril is a fully inclusive college where students with additional needs thrive, achieving outcomes that surpass those of their peers. Our supportive environment fosters a strong sense of belonging for all members of our college community. We provide personalised scaffolded support to students with EHCPs and SEND with the aim of reducing learning, personal and social barriers and instil resilience and independence.
Basingstoke College of Technology
Learning and Disability Support at Basingstoke College of Technology
We have a dedicated team that are able to support students with a variety of additional needs and are committed to providing the highest standards of support to learners who have a disability or learning difficulty.
It is important that you give us as much information as you can on your application form so we know what additional needs you may require. We can then make sure you get the right support to help you succeed at BCoT.
Basingstoke College of Technology
Learning and Disability Support at Basingstoke College of Technology
We have a dedicated team that are able to support students with a variety of additional needs and are committed to providing the highest standards of support to learners who have a disability or learning difficulty.
It is important that you give us as much information as you can on your application form so we know what additional needs you may require. We can then make sure you get the right support to help you succeed at BCoT.
Brockenhurst College
Learning and Disability Support at Brockenhurst College
At Brockenhurst College we are a general Further Education college offering a wide range of courses that are both academic and vocational. We provide courses ranging from entry-level learning to Level 3, enabling student progression to Higher Education and/or employment. We also have provision for young people with complex needs at our new Foundation and Independence Hub. Importantly, Hub admissions are funded in agreement with Hampshire County Council.
Brockenhurst College
Learning and Disability Support at Brockenhurst College
At Brockenhurst College we are a general Further Education college offering a wide range of courses that are both academic and vocational. We provide courses ranging from entry-level learning to Level 3, enabling student progression to Higher Education and/or employment. We also have provision for young people with complex needs at our new Foundation and Independence Hub. Importantly, Hub admissions are funded in agreement with Hampshire County Council.
Peter Symmonds College
Learning and Disability Support at Peter Symmonds College
The department is able to offer support for students with specific learning differences (SpLD), physical and sensory impairments, communication needs and/or social, emotional and mental health difficulties. We have a thriving neurodiverse community and are passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our students. Please see links on this page for more information about how we work to achieve this.
Peter Symmonds College
Learning and Disability Support at Peter Symmonds College
The department is able to offer support for students with specific learning differences (SpLD), physical and sensory impairments, communication needs and/or social, emotional and mental health difficulties. We have a thriving neurodiverse community and are passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our students. Please see links on this page for more information about how we work to achieve this.
Queen Mary’s College
Learning and Disability Support at Queen Mary’s College
The Learning Hub is on hand to help you with any additional Academic support you may need with your studies and offers specialist workshops to aid revision around exams. It also offers support for students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities or sensory impairments.
We also have a dedicated Wellbeing Hub in College to support you, alongside a range of activities to enhance your mental health and wellbeing. The Wellbeing Hub can support with any additional personal support you may need with your studies and offers 1-1 meetings with our advisers or therapy dogs to help with any issue that may arise during your time at QMC, for example housing, benefits, drug related issues and sexual health. We also have our own counselling service for those students who require more in-depth support. Students can self-refer in confidence.
Queen Mary’s College
Learning and Disability Support at Queen Mary’s College
The Learning Hub is on hand to help you with any additional Academic support you may need with your studies and offers specialist workshops to aid revision around exams. It also offers support for students with learning difficulties, physical disabilities or sensory impairments.
We also have a dedicated Wellbeing Hub in College to support you, alongside a range of activities to enhance your mental health and wellbeing. The Wellbeing Hub can support with any additional personal support you may need with your studies and offers 1-1 meetings with our advisers or therapy dogs to help with any issue that may arise during your time at QMC, for example housing, benefits, drug related issues and sexual health. We also have our own counselling service for those students who require more in-depth support. Students can self-refer in confidence.
Totton College
Learning and Disability Support at Totton College
Personalised support at Totton College
Additional support is not dictated by what course a student is on. SEND support is available and in place across all college departments and courses and is deployed where it is needed. We have courses designed to meet specific types and levels of SEND in both of Skills for Life and Pathways departments.
Preparation for adulthood is at the core of all provision with a focus on a progressive SEND curriculum. The curriculum is planned to equip students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to progress on to their next, suitable stage of adulthood and/or independence, education or employment.
Whether it’s managing everyday tasks, navigating emotional challenges, or enhancing academic experiences, we’re here to ensure every student’s journey is smooth, fulfilling, and enriched with opportunities for growth.
Totton College
Learning and Disability Support at Totton College
Personalised support at Totton College
Additional support is not dictated by what course a student is on. SEND support is available and in place across all college departments and courses and is deployed where it is needed. We have courses designed to meet specific types and levels of SEND in both of Skills for Life and Pathways departments.
Preparation for adulthood is at the core of all provision with a focus on a progressive SEND curriculum. The curriculum is planned to equip students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to progress on to their next, suitable stage of adulthood and/or independence, education or employment.
Whether it’s managing everyday tasks, navigating emotional challenges, or enhancing academic experiences, we’re here to ensure every student’s journey is smooth, fulfilling, and enriched with opportunities for growth.
Sometimes a parent or young person would like the LA to name a Section 41 registered or independent post 16 provision.
A parent or young person has the right to request:
a maintained school or nursery (mainstream or special)
an Academy (mainstream or special)
an institution in the Further Education sector
a non-maintained special school
a section 41 school
This comes from law and statutory guidance:
Children and Families Act 2014, s.39(4) (parent/YP preference)
SEND Code of Practice (2015), paragraphs 9.78–9.84 (suitability and efficiency tests)
When a parent or young person makes a request for one of these types of provisions the LA must consider the request.
Under Section 39(4) of the Children and Families Act 2014, a local authority must name the parent’s preferred school including a Section 41 approved school unless one of the following applies:
The school is unsuitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude, or SEN; or
The child's attendance would be incompatible with the efficient education of others; or
The child's attendance would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.
Independent provisions are not on the list above so the LA is not legally obligated to consult with or name it however the LA will consider the request because they have a duty to take into account the thoughts and wishes of parents and young people under Section 9 of the Education Act 1996.
We consult with our local maintained provisions in conjunction with any independent or Section 41 consultation to check if a mainstream school in your local area is able to meet your child’s needs. Where possible, we aim for all young people to be educated in their communities.
The LA may refuse an independent or Section 41 request if:
The placement you prefer is significantly more expensive, and
The LA believes that a less expensive option can meet the child or young person's needs
Section 41 colleges have additional legal protections because Section 41 colleges have agreed to abide by the Children and Families Act 2014, they have:
A duty to admit when named in an EHCP
A requirement for the LA to consider them in the same way as maintained institutions
An independent provision cannot be named in an EHCP unless they first offer the child or young person a place. The LA nor the SEND tribunal can name an independent school without the school first offering a place.
Please see the link on the right to search for Section 41 or independent schools or colleges.
Sometimes a parent or young person would like the LA to name a Section 41 registered or independent post 16 provision.
A parent or young person has the right to request:
a maintained school or nursery (mainstream or special)
an Academy (mainstream or special)
an institution in the Further Education sector
a non-maintained special school
a section 41 school
This comes from law and statutory guidance:
Children and Families Act 2014, s.39(4) (parent/YP preference)
SEND Code of Practice (2015), paragraphs 9.78–9.84 (suitability and efficiency tests)
When a parent or young person makes a request for one of these types of provisions the LA must consider the request.
Under Section 39(4) of the Children and Families Act 2014, a local authority must name the parent’s preferred school including a Section 41 approved school unless one of the following applies:
The school is unsuitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude, or SEN; or
The child's attendance would be incompatible with the efficient education of others; or
The child's attendance would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.
Independent provisions are not on the list above so the LA is not legally obligated to consult with or name it however the LA will consider the request because they have a duty to take into account the thoughts and wishes of parents and young people under Section 9 of the Education Act 1996.
We consult with our local maintained provisions in conjunction with any independent or Section 41 consultation to check if a mainstream school in your local area is able to meet your child’s needs. Where possible, we aim for all young people to be educated in their communities.
The LA may refuse an independent or Section 41 request if:
The placement you prefer is significantly more expensive, and
The LA believes that a less expensive option can meet the child or young person's needs
Section 41 colleges have additional legal protections because Section 41 colleges have agreed to abide by the Children and Families Act 2014, they have:
A duty to admit when named in an EHCP
A requirement for the LA to consider them in the same way as maintained institutions
An independent provision cannot be named in an EHCP unless they first offer the child or young person a place. The LA nor the SEND tribunal can name an independent school without the school first offering a place.
Please see the link on the right to search for Section 41 or independent schools or colleges.
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is money from the government to help young people stay in education or training after Year 11 if cost is a barrier.
What the money can be used for
The bursary helps pay for essential costs linked to education, such as:
It is meant to support learning, not everyday living costs or extra activities.
Who can get it
Your child may be able to get help if they:
Some young people aged 19 or over can still get support if they:
Types of bursary
There are two types of support:
1. Bursary for vulnerable young people
2. Discretionary bursary
How it’s given
How to apply
Key message for parents
This fund is there to make sure young people can continue in education, even if money is tight. If you think your child may need help, it’s always worth speaking to their school or college to find out what support is available.
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is money from the government to help young people stay in education or training after Year 11 if cost is a barrier.
What the money can be used for
The bursary helps pay for essential costs linked to education, such as:
It is meant to support learning, not everyday living costs or extra activities.
Who can get it
Your child may be able to get help if they:
Some young people aged 19 or over can still get support if they:
Types of bursary
There are two types of support:
1. Bursary for vulnerable young people
2. Discretionary bursary
How it’s given
How to apply
Key message for parents
This fund is there to make sure young people can continue in education, even if money is tight. If you think your child may need help, it’s always worth speaking to their school or college to find out what support is available.