Post-16 and Future Options

TCES Post-16 offers full-time education for neurodiverse young people who are preparing for adulthood. The aim is for young people to develop in positive ways to ensure that they progress into education, employment or training. Programmes typically run over two years.

Who is it for?

Our Post-16 is designed for students aged 16-19 who are unable to attend mainstream settings and would benefit from a specialist environment to help them achieve their full potential.  They may have come through our schools, or may be new to TCES at Post-16 stage.

Many of our Year 11 pupils return to us in the Sixth Form to continue their journey into adulthood by pursuing their academic and vocational interests, so they can be successful in their future world of work. This 'Positive Journey of Change' demonstrates the efficacy of our overall programme in that those pupils who graduate into our Sixth Form have much reduced behaviour issues and much improved attendance. These pupils have clear pathways onwards to college and a minimum of 90% of them go onto education, employment or training. 

Typically, they will present with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs, Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and associated conditions including mental health and anxiety.  They are at risk of dropping out of education, becoming isolated in the community or NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). See our admissions policy for further details.

What do we offer?

We provide:

• A therapeutic education model differentiated to meet needs
• Clinical support
• Small class sizes
• High staff ratios
• Vocational and academic courses – with access to a range of courses for two days a week at one of our partner colleges
• Preparing for adulthood – Employment, Independent Living, Community Action and Health, delivered through our award-winning L.I.F.E programme
• An enrichment programme designed to support social interaction and communication, improved mental wellbeing and community engagement
• Supported work experience and placements
• Alumni mentor educational opportunities
• Substantial access to a careers advisor and work towards an aspirational employment goal
• Job search training - CV, application form and personal statement as well as interview support

Our POST-16 aims

By creating an individualised learning journey, we hope to ensure positive destinations for all of our young people. Where possible, they will be career-ready and independent, and leave us prepared for adult life. They will also have a clear vision for their future, and know where to seek help and guidance.

Future options and Careers

Post-16 and Careers Leads in every school and service

Careers Lead - Niota Cover

 To find out more about TCES Post-16 provision please download our overview flyer below.

Access to a careers adviser and how to access guidance 

We offer personal careers guidance sessions to all students from Year 9 with an independent careers guidance adviser who is qualified to Level 6 and ascribes to the CDI code of ethics. Each student is provided with a follow-up written action plan. Contact Careers.Adviser@TCES.org.uk for more information.