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 further education, college, employment, training, independent living and enterprise pathways. Programmes typically run over two years.

Our POST-16 VISION

We prepare students for adulthood by developing confidence, leadership, and self-advocacy across five key areas:

Career planning and employability
Independent living and personal wellbeing
Health, self-management, and resilience
Leisure, creativity, and community engagement
Balanced life choices and future aspirations

Who is it for?

Our Post-16 is designed for students in years 12-14 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.

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?

Our offer combines a project-based curriculum, therapeutic input, and individualised preparation for adulthood, empowering every young person to develop the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to succeed in life beyond school.

Core Curriculum:

English – Functional Skills to GCSE, with opportunities to gain accreditation through the English Speaking Board (ESB).
Maths – Functional Skills to GCSE, developing practical numeracy and financial literacy skills.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) – Hands-on, interest-driven projects linking academic learning with vocational experiences and community impact.
LIFE Programme– Leadership, Independence, Future Options, Employability and Empowerment. Delivered through a blend of therapeutic, reflective, and practical learning, students complete Kings Trust PDE and Resilience qualifications that promote teamwork, self-awareness, and growth.

Therapuetic support:

Individualised therapeutic mentoring and wellbeing support
Emotional regulation and resilience coaching
Small group learning environments
A trauma-informed approach that promotes safety, trust, and empowerment
Travel Training
Transitioning Planning

Vocational and enterprise pathways:

Students can explore areas related to their personal interests and achieve Levels 1-3 BTEC qualifications in:

Sports and Wellbeing
Digital Media, Animation and Design
Creative Arts and Performing Arts
Beauty and Personal Care
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Construction
Music Production

Our comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme including work experience, careers guidance and employee encounters.
Level 2 Peer Mentoring Programme, developing leadership, empathy, and communication skills through structured mentoring of younger peers.
TCES Enterprise Hub at North West London School includes barista training, customer service, and enterprise qualifications.

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.

tces post-16 overview flyer

Download

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.