Getting ready to leave school
Reaching Year 11 and getting ready to leave school can feel exciting, but also a bit scary. You are not on your own.
Somerset’s Virtual School works with all Children Looked After (CLA) to help them do well in their learning, right up until they turn 18.
The staff care a lot about helping children and young people in care reach their full potential. They will support you as you get ready to leave care and move on to your next steps. This might include helping you move between school, college or into training or education once you turn 16.
If you are aged 16 to 18, we will:
- Help you plan your next steps in education, training or work
- Help you find courses or work placements, including with local businesses
- Support you to stay in education and work towards your goals
- Help you connect with further education colleges and universities
- Work closely with your Personal Adviser so they understand your education goals and the support you may need
- Make sure you have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) up to the age of 18
- Review your PEP as part of your Pathway Plan
- Make sure clear plans are in place to support you into education, training or work after you turn 18
- Check that you and your Personal Adviser know about the 16 to 19 bursary fund
Support after 18
The Virtual School works directly with young people up to the age of 18. However, we will always offer advice, guidance and information to Care Leavers about education, training and employment, even after this age