Transition to Higher Education
The SEND Code of Practice says that when a young person has the ambition to attend higher education, support should be provided to help them to achieve this goal.
A young person’s aspirations for the future should be discussed at review meetings from year 9 onwards. This should include aspirations to move into higher education if the young person would like to explore this as an option. Appropriate outcomes and support should be identified to help the young person to achieve their goals in this area.
Where to find information and support
Talk to your school or college’s careers team about your aspirations for higher education. They can support you to explore your options and consider what help you might need.
It is really important to attend open days and events at the universities you are interested in applying to. You can get in touch with universities before attending open days to ensure that they are able to make any arrangements in advance that you may need to support your visit.
It is advised that you inform your chosen university as soon as possible that you have a disability and share information with them. Universities will have their own disability support services. You can make contact with the university to find out more about what support is available and how to access this support.
The Complete University Guide published the following video about how universities can support students with disabilities:
UCAS provides lots of useful information to support you to explore your higher education options. This includes course information, subject guides, provider details, and careers information.
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Collaborative Outreach Partnership (DANCOP) provide useful guides, video resources, and podcasts that can be accessed via their website to support learners across the region as they explore their higher education options. To access these resources, please visit the following links:
Disability Rights UK provide guides and resources to help with additional support in higher education for students with disabilities, including accommodation support, and funding. To access these resources, please visit the following links:
If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
When you move to higher education, your Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will cease. This will be discussed at your final annual review meeting and transition arrangements can be agreed. Discussions can include planning for the support you may need to help you move successfully to higher education.
This does not mean that you will not get support at university. Under the Equality Act 2010 universities are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to support students with disabilities. Students can also apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is available to help students in higher education with the extra costs they may incur on their course due to a disability. This can include a long-term health condition, a mental health condition, a physical or sensory disability or a specific learning difficulty.
Students need to make an application to Student Finance England, providing accompanying evidence. Applications for DSA can be made as soon as the student finance application service opens. This varies from year to year but it is generally six months before the start of the academic year in which a young person is expected to take up a place in higher education.
It is advised to make a claim as early as possible to ensure that support is in place when your course begins. The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs and not your household income. You do not need to pay back DSA.
To view further advice and guidance, including how to apply, please visit:
GOV.UK - Disabled Students' Allowance
UCAS also provide lots of useful information about DSA. This includes what is available, who is eligible and how your study needs will be assessed.
Disability Rights UK provide a resources and guides about DSA, including what DSA can pay for, and other frequently asked questions.
Useful links and resources