Post-16 (16 to 18 years)
For care leavers and young people aged 16 to 18, the Virtual School continues to provide support to ensure they successfully transition from school into adulthood and the next stage of their education or employment.
Key aspects of support includes:
- educational options
- The Virtual School helps care leavers access post-16 education options, including sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, or vocational training. They are supported in choosing the right path based on their aspirations and abilities.
- Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for post-16 students
- The PEPs continue into the post-16 phase to ensure that young people’s educational needs are met as they move towards independence. This could involve support for additional learning needs, career guidance and financial planning for further education.
- See: Promoting the education of looked-after and previously looked-after children
- financial support
- Care leavers are eligible for financial support, such as 16 to 19 bursaries and additional funding under Pupil Premium Plus, which can help with costs related to education, including transport, materials, or extracurricular activities.
Further information
The Virtual School also supports applications for higher education, such as university, by providing guidance on funding, admissions and academic support.
- Email: VSAdmin@swindon.gov.uk