Skip to content Accesskeys Newsroom

Disability support at college

Further education at college or sixth form can be a great way to pick up new skills, open up new career options or prepare for higher education. Being disabled or having a specific learning difficulty needn't limit your choices.

Further education and your prospects

Whether you're 16 or 60, there's a huge variety of courses available. Options range from courses covering the basics of reading, writing and numbers to GCSEs and A levels. There are also opportunities to get into work-based learning, through NVQs and apprenticeships.

Having an impairment or a learning difficulty doesn't have to limit your options. You will need to take care choosing the course and institution that are right for you.

Support at college or sixth form

Colleges and sixth forms have to make 'reasonable adjustments' so that people with disabilities don't suffer a substantial disadvantage. They might, for example, provide one-to-one support, a sign language interpreter or copies of documents in other formats.

The type of support available varies, so it's important to check beforehand. It's a good idea to visit the place so you can see what's available for yourself. The college's Learning Support Adviser or Special Education Needs Co-ordinator will be able to give you details.

You can also get a copy of the college or school's Disability Equality Statement. This sets out how it plans to promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities. You may need support that does not get covered in the Disability Statement. However, the college may be able to provide it, so you need to ask.

Going to a specialist college

If your local college cannot offer a course to suit your disability-related needs, you may be able to get a place at a specialist college. Most of these colleges are independent and cater specifically for students with disabilities or learning difficulties. They are often residential.

Getting into further education at 16

Making the transition from school to further education

If you had a statement of special educational needs while at school, you should have a 'transition plan' giving details of the support you'll need once you leave. If you stay on at school to attend sixth form, you'll continue to get the help set out in your statement.

Your sixth form or college should pay for your learning support. Personal or medical care services will be arranged through your local health authority or social services department. Your Careers Adviser or College should work with these different agencies to make sure arrangements are in place.

Getting into further education as an adult

See 'Get learning' for guidance on getting into further education - whether you're looking to catch up on something you missed out on at school, or prepare for a higher education course.

Learning from home

e-learning and distance learning courses let you do all or part of your studying from home. It's an option worth considering if you have a disability that makes it difficult to get to college.

Residential training for adults with disabilities

If you're unemployed, have the potential to take up work and there's no suitable training available locally, you may be able to get on a residential training scheme. There are over 50 vocational courses on offer, and you'll get an allowance to help with your costs.

Advice on adult learning courses

Contact the Careers Service for free, impartial guidance on finding a course. You will also be able to get personal, face-to-face advice from Educational Guidance Service for Adults.

Claiming benefits while you're in further education

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance could provide financial help if you need personal care or have walking difficulties because of a disability. Starting a course won't affect your entitlement.

Employment and Support Allowance

If you have a disability and you're on a low income, you may also be able to claim income-related Employment and Support Allowance while you're studying.

Incapacity Benefit

Incapacity Benefit is a weekly payment for people who can't work due to illness or disability. It has been replaced with Employment and Support Allowance for new claimants.

If you're currently getting Incapacity Benefit, you may be able to carry on claiming it while doing a course.

Income Support

If you have a disability and you're on a low income, you may also be able to claim Income Support while you're studying.

More about claiming benefits while you're studying

nidirect has information on other benefits you may be able to claim if you're a student with disabilities on a low income - such as Housing Benefit, Rent and Rates.