Next Steps for Year 14 Students

The Village School – Next Steps for Year 14 Students

Welcome to the Next Steps guide for parents and carers of The Village School Year 14 students. This guide explains the transition process and how important your support is as your young person moves toward their next step in independence.

Transition can be a challenging time. Navigating the many opportunities, courses, and options available can feel overwhelming. This guide has been created to help you, as a parent or carer, understand the process and make informed choices about your child’s future.

Careers Support at The Village School

Shaw Trust provides dedicated support to all Village School pupils.

Your Careers Adviser: Asif Hussain

  • On-site at The Village School 1 day a week
  • Remote support 1 day a week

Support Provided:

  • Impartial careers guidance to explore future careers and pathways
  • Attendance at Annual Reviews
  • Advice on college options, training, Supported Internships, and work opportunities
  • Updates on events, open days, and opportunities
  • Organised small-group visits to colleges and training providers
  • Invitations to the annual Brent and Prospects transition event, Branching Out
  • Regular communication to keep parents informed throughout the year

Parents and carers are encouraged to make applications in the autumn term of their child’s final year. Colleges have different application processes, which your careers adviser can explain.

Local Offer

It is important to consult your local authority’s SEND Local Offer:

The Local Offer provides information and advice for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25 and their families.

What is Transition?

Transition is when your young person moves on from The Village School, usually into Further Education (college), Supported Internships, employment, or day/leisure activities.

  • Transition may happen at the end of Year 11, 12, 13, or 14.
  • Each pupil’s pathway is unique, and timing will depend on individual needs and EHCP outcomes.

Using This Guide

This guide provides information on colleges and other provisions for pupils transitioning to Further Education or Supported Internships.

  • Courses are designed to help young people with SEND improve skills, gain independence, and prepare for life beyond school.
  • Staff at Shaw Trust are impartial - they do not recommend one college over another but will discuss options and provide guidance.

Transition Timeline (2025–2026)

  • Sept 2025 – Jan 2026: Research college websites and attend open days.
  • Aug 2025: Local councils send Parental/Carer College Preference Forms. Return by mid-November 2025 (exact date TBC).
  • Oct 2025 – Feb 2026: Submit online/paper applications to selected colleges. Colleges may invite students for interviews/assessments.
  • Nov/Dec 2025 – Mar 2026: Councils consult with colleges and parents to confirm placement suitability.
  • By 31 Mar 2026: College place finalised on the EHCP.
  • After 31 Mar 2026: Apply for transport via your Local Authority if needed.

Choosing the Right Next Step

Options include:

  • Further Education (College) – Courses for SEND students to develop skills, independence, and qualifications.
  • Supported Internships – For young people 16-24 with an EHCP who want to move into employment with extra support. Combines education, job coaching, and paid work opportunities.
  • Employment – Paid or voluntary work.
  • Day & Leisure Activities – Social activities and support for independent living skills, often run through day centres.

Questions to consider:

  • What will my child learn?
  • What outcomes can they achieve?
  • Where have previous students progressed?
  • Attendance requirements?
  • Is transport provided?

College-specific questions:

  • Application process and deadlines
  • Timetable and weekly schedule
  • Inclusion of mainstream courses
  • Work experience or supported employment options

Supported Internships or employment:

  • Employment areas available
  • Independent travel requirements

Colleges and Providers

Pre-entry / PMLD Courses:

  • Harrow College: Preparing for Adulthood (P4FL4F)
  • Barnet & Southgate College: Pre-entry Website
  • Capital City College (Alexandra Centre): Pre-entry Website
  • Oaklands College (St Albans – Springfield): Core Skills & Encounters Website
  • College of North West London: Learning for Living (Pre-entry) Website
  • Orchard Hill (Uxbridge): Pre-entry/PMLD Website
  • West London College (Hammersmith & Southall): Inclusive Learning
  • City of Westminster College (Maida Vale): SEND courses Website
  • Great Oaks College (Hounslow): SEND courses

This list is not exhaustive. Parents should research all options to find the best match for their young person.

College Information:

  • Courses are usually 16 hours/week, often over four days.
  • Class sizes vary (typically 6–12 students).
  • Courses are funded for one year, with continuation dependent on annual EHCP reviews.

Next Steps Checklist

Use this checklist to track progress:

Action College / Internship / Other Date Sent Online By Post Other Method
College open days booked          
College preference form returned          
Applications submitted          
Transport application (if required)          

Contact

If you need further support, please contact:

The Village School: 0300 303 0610
Careers Adviser (Shaw Trust): Asif Hussain

Parent coffee morning presentation: TVS-Year-14-Transition-Coffee-Morning.pdf

Shaw Trust Booklet: The-Village-School-Next-Steps-Options-after-school.pdf