What is changing this year
You finish compulsory school age this year. You need to decide what education or training you will do until 18. Decision-making for your EHC plan moves from your parents to you at the end of Year 11. Transport rules change for post-16 and you may need to contribute to costs. Some benefits and health consent rules change at 16. It is a big move from “parent does this for their child” towards “young person makes the decision, with support where needed”.
What to do this year
- Apply early for post-16 places in college, sixth form or training.
- Understand EHC plan changes at 16 – decision-making moves to you.
- Apply if eligible for post-16 transport by 30 June; expect a contribution and renew each year.
- Check benefits – you may claim PIP or Universal Credit in your own name, or your parent may stay as your appointee.
- Prepare for health consent – from 16 you make your own treatment decisions.
Education and planning
Year 11 is a turning point. School often ends earlier for exams, and you choose your next steps. You must continue in education or training until 18, but you decide what that looks like. Use open days and taster sessions to compare settings, courses and support.
See Your future and Post 16 education for more information.
Health and wellbeing
From 16, you can consent to your own treatment. That puts you in control. This means that you can take the decisions over what treatments you do and do not have. A doctor is not allowed to tell your parents, carers, or family members unless you agree. A Hospital passport can help you share what works for you. Ask for information you can understand, take notes, and check back key points.
You may be invited to attend transition clinics which are jointly run by staff from children’s and adult health services.
Find more information on Moving between children’s and adults healthcare.
Together for Short Lives provides guidance for young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions who are thinking about adult life. It helps you explore your options, plan ahead and understand the support available as you move towards adulthood. The aim is to make sure the care and support you need is in place, so you can focus on living the life you want.
Social care and support
Support should grow with you. If your needs change, it is okay to adjust how help is provided. Remember that referral to the Transition to Adult Social Care teams can happen from the age of 14, to ensure everything is in place by 18.
Find more information on Moving to Adult Social Care services.
Money and benefits
At 16, some benefits change. You may be able to claim in your own name (for example PIP), or your parent may stay as your appointee if that works best. If you got Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as a child, you will be reassessed for PIP. Disabled students receiving DLA or PIP may be eligible for Universal Credit whilst in education. But this is only if they have also established a limited capability for work before they started receiving education. The charity Contact recommends in these cases you try to arrange a work capability assessment when your child turns 16.
Find out more about Universal Credit for young people.
If you think you might struggle with the costs for education and training next year you may be eligible for a bursary. This may help you pay for things like clothing, books and other equipment for your course, and transport and lunch on days you study or train. Find more information about 16 to 19 Bursary Fund on GOV.UK.
For parents claiming Child Benefit they will need to tell the Child Benefit Office if their child will be staying in approved education or training after the age of 16, or if their child aged 16 or over has left approved education or training.
Find out more about Child Benefit between the ages of 16 and 19 on GOV.UK.
Child maintenance usually ends when a young person reaches 16, or up to age 20 if they remain in approved education or training. If your child has a disability and may not be able to support themselves financially as an adult, you may need to look at other options. This can include asking the Family Court for ongoing financial support.
Transport and travel
Post-16 transport is different. You need to apply each year by 30 June and pay a contribution. Travel assistance is usually at the start and end of the normal day. You will need to plan your timetable, travel times and self-study to fit.
More information on Post-16 travel assistance for students with SEND.
You usually need to be 17 to drive a car. If you get the higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can drive from age 16. If you get either of these benefits, you can apply for your provisional licence when you are 15 years and 9 months old.
See Learning to drive for more information.
Legal and citizenship
The Mental Capacity Act applies from age 16. It protects your right to make your own decisions and sets out how people can support you if you find some decisions difficult.
You can register to vote from 16 and will be able to vote from 18. Practice making choices with support if needed, and register to vote when you are ready.
Parental responsibility ends when a young person turns 18. However, the Court of Protection can make some decisions about young people from age 16 who are unable to make a particular decision themselves. If you may need someone to make decisions or manage your affairs for you as an adult, it can help your family to explore this before you turn 18.
Find out more about Making decisions and voting and the Mental Capacity Act. My adult still my child also has accessible information for families about how decision-making changes as a young person becomes an adult.
The way you apply for a passport also changes at 16. If you’re under 16, someone with parental responsibility applies for you. From age 16, you normally apply for and agree to your own passport application. Having additional needs does not stop you getting a passport. HM Passport Office can provide support or make allowances if a disability means you cannot:
- sign your passport
- meet the usual passport photo rules
- take part in an identity interview.
You may need to explain what support you need and provide evidence. Find out about passport services if you’re disabled.
If you’re 16 or over and cannot make the decision to apply for a passport yourself, someone else cannot automatically make the application for you. HM Passport Office may need evidence or legal authority showing that another person can act on your behalf. Contact the Passport Adviceline before applying if you’re not sure what you’ll need.