Moving on from GCSEs is a big step for any young person. For students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), it’s especially important to plan ahead so the right support is in place.

When your child finishes Year 11, they’ll need to move on to a sixth form, college, training provider, or another type of post-16 education. This is called a phase transfer (similar to when they moved from primary to secondary school).

At the start of Year 11, families are asked to complete a Kent County Council (KCC) form to confirm their child’s choice of next step. KCC will then check with the chosen provider that they can meet your child’s needs, so that this can be included in their EHCP.  It is very important that you respond to the emails you receive from KCC which will normally come out in October.

KCC must tell you which provision they will be naming and issue an amended final EHCP by 31 March before the transfer in September.

How Parents Can Support Their Child?

Here are some key steps to help your child feel confident about their next stage:

  1. Start Early

Encourage your child to think about post-16 options during Year 10. Starting early gives you time to explore what’s out there.

  1. Visit Open Days

Open days are a great way to see what a school, college, or training provider can offer. You’ll find a list on the Kent Choices website. If you miss an open day, contact the provider directly to arrange a visit.

  1. Explore All the Options

Post-16 choices can include:

  • Staying on at a school sixth form
  • College (for A levels, T-levels, vocational courses, or apprenticeships)
  • Training providers (for apprenticeships or work-based learning)
  • Specialist providers or study programmes (usually smaller settings with tailored support)
  • Supported employment programmes (job coaching and work experience, designed especially for young people with SEND)

Think together about what best suits your child’s interests, abilities, and future goals.

  1. Check the Support Available

Look carefully at your child’s EHCP and make sure the next provider can meet their needs. Ask questions like: Do they offer learning support? Access to mentors? Exam adjustments?

  1. Talk to the School SENCO

Teachers and our SENCO, Mrs Hales know your child well and can advise on which options might suit them best.  You can email Mrs Hales on k.hales@trs.kent.sch.uk  

  1. Involve the Whole Family

Talk things through at home so your child feels supported in making their choice.

  1. Encourage Your Child’s Voice

Their views and preferences must be included in the EHCP, so it’s important that they feel heard.

  1. Keep an Open Mind

Plans sometimes change. Be prepared to look at more than one option as you go along.

  1. Focus on the Right Support

The most important thing is that wherever your child goes, they’ll get the help they need to succeed.

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What specialist providers are available in Kent?

As well as sixth forms and colleges listed on the Kent Choices website, there are specialist providers that may be more suitable for some young people with an EHCP.

16–25 options

More information about this process can be found on the Kent County Council SEND Hub.  https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/education-health-and-care-plans/phase-transfers 

There is an option to complete an online enquiry form on the hub website if you have a specific question, as well as details of their enquiry helpline.

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