Post-16
Halton Virtual School Support for Post 16 Education
Post-16 pupils
Post-16 Support
Young people who are Looked After remain part of Halton Virtual School after statutory school age. In England, all young people must continue in education, employment or training until age 18 and/or the end of Year 13.
There are a range of Post-16 pathways available, including further education, sixth form, apprenticeships and training providers.
Further Education
Riverside College – https://www.riversidecollege.ac.uk/
Warrington & Vale Royal College – https://wvr.ac.uk/
St Helens College – https://www.sthelens.ac.uk/
Sixth Form Colleges
Cronton Sixth Form College, Widnes – https://www.cronton.ac.uk/
Priestley College, Warrington – https://www.priestley.ac.uk/
Carmel College, St Helens – https://www.carmel.ac.uk/
Ormiston Bolingbroke Sixth Form, Runcorn – https://ormistonbolingbrokeacademy.co.uk/sixth-form/welcome-to-oba-sixth-form
Training Providers
Power in Partnership
Juniper Training
SWRAC (SEMH)
Total People – https://www.totalpeople.co.uk/
The Learning Foundry – https://www.thelearningfoundry.co.uk/
Inside Connections
Apprenticeships
Liverpool City Region BeMore – https://lcrbemore.co.uk/apprenticeship/
GOV.UK Apprenticeships – https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Alternative Programmes
King's Trust – Amelia.Riley@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Personal Education Plan (PEP)
All looked after young people aged 16–17 must have a Personal Education Plan (PEP), whether they are:
EET (Education, Employment or Training)
NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)
The PEP enables young people to:
Share their views
Set and review targets
Plan future education, training or employment
EET Students
A PEP meeting is held each term throughout Years 12 and 13. The Social Worker arranges and attends the meeting, and the PEP is completed by the Designated Teacher or relevant education/training provider.
NEET Students
Termly PEP meetings continue and involve relevant professionals. Support may include referrals to Halton's 14–19 Team and Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) through Career Connect to help re-engage with education, employment or training.
Post-16 Pupil Premium Plus (PP+)
Pupil Premium Plus funding ends after Year 11. Since 2023, the DfE has provided additional funding for looked after young people aged 16–17.
Funding is allocated on a needs-led basis and may support:
Attendance
Retention
Attainment
Re-engagement with education or training
All requests for financial support must be discussed and recorded through the PEP process.
How Halton Virtual School Supports Post-16 Learners
Support begins in Year 11 to help young people transition into suitable Post-16 pathways and reduce the risk of becoming NEET.
Working alongside social care, education providers and other agencies, the Virtual School:
Monitors attendance, engagement and progress
Reviews PEPs termly
Supports SEND and welfare needs
Provides targeted intervention for young people at risk of disengagement
Refers young people to appropriate support services where needed
The PEP remains a statutory process until age 18, and support continues throughout Year 13.
Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG)
Schools are expected to provide strong Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) for children in care. Support continues throughout Years 12 and 13, helping young people access and maintain education, employment or training opportunities.
16–19 Bursary Fund
Looked after children and some care leavers may be eligible for a guaranteed 16–19 bursary.
To qualify, young people must:
Be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August
Be studying at a publicly funded school or college, or on an unpaid training programme
Post-18 Support
Support continues beyond Year 13. Halton Virtual School works with Leaving Care Personal Advisers (PAs) to monitor destinations and progress.
For young people who are NEET, referrals can be made to the Post-18 Multi-Agency NEET Panel for additional support and signposting.
Useful Information and Support
Halton Care Leaver Local Offer
Information on:
Education and training
Employment
Participation in society
Accommodation
Health and wellbeing
Relationships
Finances
https://haltoncicc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CareLeaver-LocalOffer.pdf
Prospects
Careers advice, CV support, interview preparation, apprenticeships, jobs, work experience and university information.
Complete University Guide
University courses, entry requirements, fees, student finance and application support.
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/
UCAS
Coram Voice
Advocacy and support for children in care and care leavers.
Post-16 Pupil Premium Plus
Please refer to the document "Post 16 PP+" (available under Files) for full details of Post-16 Pupil Premium Plus funding.