College is not the only option open to young people when you leave school. It might be that classroom based learning is not what your young person wants and instead they may prefer a more hands on, practical teaching approach.
No pathway is better than another but some might suit your young person more than others.
Often alternative pathways to college for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) focus on vocational training, independence, and employment.
Key options include apprenticeships, traineeships, supported internships, and specialised college courses focusing on life skills. These routes all aim to build work experience, practical skills, and independence.
All children and young people have the right to full-time education up to the age of 16. After that, they must do one of the following until they are at least 18:
Stay in full-time education, for example at a college or sixth form.
Spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.
Many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) benefit enormously from these last few years, whether they stay on at school, move to a college of further education or sixth form college, or start an apprenticeship or training program.
Hampshire Futures' have 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.
All children and young people have the right to full-time education up to the age of 16. After that, they must do one of the following until they are at least 18:
Stay in full-time education, for example at a college or sixth form.
Spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.
Many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) benefit enormously from these last few years, whether they stay on at school, move to a college of further education or sixth form college, or start an apprenticeship or training program.
Hampshire Futures' have 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.
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)
How to apply for an apprenticeship.
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)
How to apply for an apprenticeship.
An internship is a fixed-term period of work experience designed for students gain skills in the world of work. It can help young people try out different carers and see what they are like and acts as a bridge into the word of work.
Supported Internships are for young people with an EHCP. They allow young people to experience of working and support them to develop their employability skills so that the move into employment is not as daunting. They will receive support with English and maths through engaging and interesting activities which are relevant to the workplace and will work towards an Employability Skills award.
Who can apply for Supported Internship
16 – 24-year-olds and up to the age of 25 years old with an Educational Health Care Plan (ECHP)
Young people with an EHCP who can demonstrate the enthusiasm and commitment to learn and motivation to work
An internship is a fixed-term period of work experience designed for students gain skills in the world of work. It can help young people try out different carers and see what they are like and acts as a bridge into the word of work.
Supported Internships are for young people with an EHCP. They allow young people to experience of working and support them to develop their employability skills so that the move into employment is not as daunting. They will receive support with English and maths through engaging and interesting activities which are relevant to the workplace and will work towards an Employability Skills award.
Who can apply for Supported Internship
16 – 24-year-olds and up to the age of 25 years old with an Educational Health Care Plan (ECHP)
Young people with an EHCP who can demonstrate the enthusiasm and commitment to learn and motivation to work
After your young person finishes school they can spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, alongside part-time education or training as an alternative to college. Below we have some ideas of places they might like to volunteer.
The Royal Voluntary Service offer a range of different volunteer roles suitable for students and young adults. They have roles available within the local community where you can meet people from your local area and support individuals with tasks in their day-to-day lives. They also have volunteer roles based in hospitals and health centres, where you help keep services available to both staff and the public.
The Youth Advisors get involved in specific projects across the Young Minds to offer their knowledge and insight. They work alongside the charity to champion youth voice.
Young Mind Activists are volunteers aged 14 to 25 who are passionate about mental health or have experienced challenges related to mental health in their lives. They campaign to create positive change, and help shape and influence the work Young Minds do.
Get volunteering tips from experts and young people sharing their stories.
For more information on volunteering please go to our volunteering page.
After your young person finishes school they can spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, alongside part-time education or training as an alternative to college. Below we have some ideas of places they might like to volunteer.
The Royal Voluntary Service offer a range of different volunteer roles suitable for students and young adults. They have roles available within the local community where you can meet people from your local area and support individuals with tasks in their day-to-day lives. They also have volunteer roles based in hospitals and health centres, where you help keep services available to both staff and the public.
The Youth Advisors get involved in specific projects across the Young Minds to offer their knowledge and insight. They work alongside the charity to champion youth voice.
Young Mind Activists are volunteers aged 14 to 25 who are passionate about mental health or have experienced challenges related to mental health in their lives. They campaign to create positive change, and help shape and influence the work Young Minds do.
Get volunteering tips from experts and young people sharing their stories.
For more information on volunteering please go to our volunteering page.
Young people are allowed to work part-time alongside study or training. This can allow them to earn money, whilst continuing to work towards qualifications.
Finding a job for any young person can be difficult as they do not have any experience yet so young people need to be resilient and flexible when job seeking. It might be that they start off volunteering before being offered a paying job. Word of mouth can be the best way to get employment as a young person so get them to reach out to their friends and family to see if anyone knows someone who is willing to give them a chance.
When they look for work, it may be best to look for adverts and application forms with the ‘disability confident’ symbol.
This symbol means:
the employer is committed to employing disabled people.
they'll be guaranteed an interview if you meet the basic conditions for the job
Getting help once they reach 18
When your young person reaches 18, your local Jobcentre can help them find a job or gain new skills and tell them about disability-friendly employers in your area.
You may be able to apply for an Access to Work grant if you need communication support at your job interview (for example, a British Sign Language interpreter or a lipspeaker).
There are some organisations which help with filling in application forms and writing CV's. For example:
Young people are allowed to work part-time alongside study or training. This can allow them to earn money, whilst continuing to work towards qualifications.
Finding a job for any young person can be difficult as they do not have any experience yet so young people need to be resilient and flexible when job seeking. It might be that they start off volunteering before being offered a paying job. Word of mouth can be the best way to get employment as a young person so get them to reach out to their friends and family to see if anyone knows someone who is willing to give them a chance.
When they look for work, it may be best to look for adverts and application forms with the ‘disability confident’ symbol.
This symbol means:
the employer is committed to employing disabled people.
they'll be guaranteed an interview if you meet the basic conditions for the job
Getting help once they reach 18
When your young person reaches 18, your local Jobcentre can help them find a job or gain new skills and tell them about disability-friendly employers in your area.
You may be able to apply for an Access to Work grant if you need communication support at your job interview (for example, a British Sign Language interpreter or a lipspeaker).
There are some organisations which help with filling in application forms and writing CV's. For example:
Are you aged 13-30 and looking to make a change in your life? If you're unemployed or struggling at school, The King's Trust can help you in a number of ways, including free training courses, brand new experiences, support, mentoring and finance.
Have you ever considered a job in horse racing? Being top Jockey, leading in the winner or training a horse to win are some of the things you could be doing if you choose racing as a career path.
The British Racing School offers a free residential course to young people aged between 16 and 22. At the end of the course you will be guaranteed a full-time job in the horse racing industry. The course is open to complete beginners so don't worry if you cannot ride, tuition will be given on the course.
Apprenticeship courses at the British Racing School fill up really quickly, so if your interested, get your application in quick.
The Shaw Trust is all about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals, whether that’s getting into work, education, or building confidence for the future. They run a number of projects including:
The Change Project helps young people aged 16-24 who are not in work, education or training, providing a holistic approach to develop interpersonal skills. Helping them to gain knowledge, experience, and qualifications that will enable them to move into sustained employment, education, or training.
If you need support to secure your first job or an apprenticeship – Jump into Work can help kickstart your career!
The course will improve your employability skills and provide valuable work experience in a sector of interest. You will also improve your English and maths skills, working towards Functional Skills qualifications if needed.
A dedicated Work Coach will support you in finding a work placement with a local or national employer, matching your skills with a suitable employer in your area.
Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.
This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
How the Programme Helps
A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.
Your young person will learn how to:
Build confidence and self-belief
Manage anxiety and low mood
Set achievable goals
Explore education, training, or work pathways
Develop practical skills for their future
Programme at a Glance
Duration: 6 months
Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included
How it works:
A 10‑day online course
Followed by 12 weekly workshops
Plus one‑to‑one mentoring and personalised support
Are you aged 13-30 and looking to make a change in your life? If you're unemployed or struggling at school, The King's Trust can help you in a number of ways, including free training courses, brand new experiences, support, mentoring and finance.
Have you ever considered a job in horse racing? Being top Jockey, leading in the winner or training a horse to win are some of the things you could be doing if you choose racing as a career path.
The British Racing School offers a free residential course to young people aged between 16 and 22. At the end of the course you will be guaranteed a full-time job in the horse racing industry. The course is open to complete beginners so don't worry if you cannot ride, tuition will be given on the course.
Apprenticeship courses at the British Racing School fill up really quickly, so if your interested, get your application in quick.
The Shaw Trust is all about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their goals, whether that’s getting into work, education, or building confidence for the future. They run a number of projects including:
The Change Project helps young people aged 16-24 who are not in work, education or training, providing a holistic approach to develop interpersonal skills. Helping them to gain knowledge, experience, and qualifications that will enable them to move into sustained employment, education, or training.
If you need support to secure your first job or an apprenticeship – Jump into Work can help kickstart your career!
The course will improve your employability skills and provide valuable work experience in a sector of interest. You will also improve your English and maths skills, working towards Functional Skills qualifications if needed.
A dedicated Work Coach will support you in finding a work placement with a local or national employer, matching your skills with a suitable employer in your area.
Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.
This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
How the Programme Helps
A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.
Your young person will learn how to:
Build confidence and self-belief
Manage anxiety and low mood
Set achievable goals
Explore education, training, or work pathways
Develop practical skills for their future
Programme at a Glance
Duration: 6 months
Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included
How it works:
A 10‑day online course
Followed by 12 weekly workshops
Plus one‑to‑one mentoring and personalised support
The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a unique recording of achievement scheme, offering you the chance to have your achievements formally recognised. The UAS are highly valued by employers, colleges and universities.
The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a unique recording of achievement scheme, offering you the chance to have your achievements formally recognised. The UAS are highly valued by employers, colleges and universities.
