Education after year 11

The post-16 transition: information about colleges in and around West Sussex offering further education.

After year 11, you can stay at your current school to study your chosen course or move to a different school, college or education setting. This change is known as a post-16 transition.

Transition planning

Transition planning helps you prepare for life after school and feel confident about your next steps.

The people who know you best will work with you to explore your strengths, interests and future goals. Together, you can:

  • choose the right college, training provider or other opportunity
  • develop the skills you need to live more independently
  • identify any support you may need in a new setting
  • plan for longer-term goals, such as employment and independent living

  • Schools, colleges and training providers can support transition in different ways, including:

    • year 10 taster sessions to introduce courses and college life
    • open days and open evenings to explore the setting, meet staff and ask questions
    • tours to help you become familiar with the setting
    • assemblies and presentations at school about post-16 options
    • careers fairs and local events that give information and guidance
    • transition days and programmes in year 11 to help you prepare before you start
    • parent and carer information events about courses, support and expectations
    • opportunities to meet support staff and discuss individual needs

  • Parents and carers can help young people prepare for a successful transition by:

    • attending review meetings and sharing what matters most to their young person
    • visiting colleges and training providers to explore their options
    • encouraging their young person to develop everyday independence skills, such as:
      • travelling independently, including using public transport
      • managing money
      • making everyday decisions
    • considering health and wellbeing needs alongside education choices
    • creating a plan of key dates and deadlines with their young person
    • asking SEND services for support during interviews, where needed
    • discussing support needs with education settings before the transition

  • The SEND Information, Advice and Support (SENDIAS) service provides information and a short animation called 'Year 11 and beyond' on its Child and Young Person (CYP) home page.

    You can also contact the service's young people advisors for support and advice.

Further education colleges

Schools with sixth forms in West Sussex

View our list of schools offering courses for young people after year 11.

Post-16 education outside West Sussex

If you are considering education outside West Sussex, these Local Offer websites provide information about post-16 options and transition planning:

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