16+ education for SEN, school or college - how to choose? low GCSEs

[nightcat]

Does anyone have any experience of how to approach it? We are starting with carreers etc..
Low ability, but has recently improved - not enough yet to close the gap though;
Will need some specialist medical provisions;
Can't face local college as known bullies will still be there;

Can a standard college REALLY provide any specialist help? They all say they do, but so did the school and we were not that impressed as we found lower ability group full of children with very challenging behaviour and not interested in learning at all.
Time is in short supply, so any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Have you thought about private tuition? It's expensive but the results are usually impressive.

I know an agency called Russell Group Tutors which covers London if that's any help?

thank you ld2 for the idea, it's a possibility..