Fiducia TogetherSpecial educational needs post-16
SEND support does not stop at 16, and the duties change shape.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
Colleges and sixth forms have duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010 to support students with SEND, and an EHCP can continue to 25.
Where it applies
Students with SEND aged 16 to 25 in further education or training.
How it works
Colleges must use their best endeavours to secure the special educational provision a student needs, and must have a named person responsible.
An EHCP does not end automatically at 16, 18 or on leaving school. It ends when the council decides the young person no longer needs it, and that decision is appealable.
Rights transfer to the young person — see mental capacity at 16.
What you can ask for
Ask the college what support it provides BEFORE accepting a place, and ask to meet the SEND lead.
If there is an EHCP, ask for the college to be named in Section I and for the plan to be amended for the new setting by the statutory deadline.
If the council proposes to cease the plan, ask for the reasons in writing — that decision carries a right of appeal.
Where to get help
SENDIASS, which covers 0 to 25, and IPSEA. The college's learning support team.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.