Special Needs

Do you need extra support with your learning? Have you a disability, or a health issue that may affect your choices? Whatever help you feel you need, there are people who can offer advice.

Still at school

Your Connexions Personal Adviser and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) are able to offer information and advice about your options.

At college

Connexions Personal Advisers and Learning Support offer help and advice.

Thinking about Higher Education

The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities is a good source of information if you are thinking about taking a higher education course.

No longer at school or college

  • Castlegate: a new centre offering help and advice
  • Jobcentre Plus: Disability Employment Advisers will give you expert advice

Local Colleges

Local colleges can offer courses in basic skills, confidence building and life skills, eg Skills for Living (Entry Award) at York College.

Learning support is also available on a wide range of courses at all levels if you have specific needs, eg dyslexia, hearing impairment etc.

Residential Colleges

Residential colleges provide specialist support that local colleges may not offer. Early application is essential as places are very limited.

To decide if this option is appropriate for you, discuss with your Connexions Personal Adviser as early as Year 9 if possible.

Post-16 Financial Support

Disabled Students' Allowances - designed to pay for the extra costs of attending a higher education course because of a disability, eg specialist equipment allowance.

Find out more at:

Useful links

Disability information on YorOK

Disability information on DirectGov

Future Prospects

Advisory Centre for Education (ACE)

Dial UK - disability information and advice line - tel 01302 310123

Family Fund Trust - grants and help for young people up to 16 (or 19 in exceptional cases) who have a severe disability

Transition Info Network

Learning for disabled people on Connexions Direct