progression into higher education after special school

[YourTruthorMine]

My son was placed in a special school after being refused a place in mainstream (his support needs were too high at the time) fast forward 5 years and he has sailed through entry level 3 maths and English. He loves science, reads scientific text books for pleasure and has completed some GCSE papers for fun (although I admit his English still needs improvement, in terms of spelling and grammar) .

He is about to move up to college, but there seems to be no way of him progressing into higher education. On offer at all the local colleges for someone with his difficulites (autism & adhd) is a foundation SEN course, where he may get to do English and Maths GCSE, which is great, but after that, the only option is to progress onto a vocational Level 2 course, (which he is not interested in) . He is adamant he wants to study science. Is this really it as far as his education goes, he can't be the only young person which such a spiky profile?

There are routes into HE following SS, but it is a big leap from entry level 3, so I would focus on further education first.

Have you looked at specialist colleges? These can offer a range of qualifications up to and including level 3. Or is a mainstream college course (e.g. a level 1 applied science course) with support an option, either straight away or after a year or 2 on the college’s foundation SEN courses?

Thanks JustKeepBuilding very helpful, Level 1 applied science looks a good option. The problem is that colleges offering it are few and far between and nothing close to us. Do you think there is any chance of the LEA helping with transport costs? The nearest is in West London with mega expensive train fares from where we live . you seem to just need entry level 3 to get in, but my son will require a least a year in a foundation course to develop social skills/independence. No way could he travel independently at the moment.

That’s something you will have to speak to the LA about and check with SENTAS. Post 16 transport policies are all different, so the LA may fund some or all of the costs. Is also depends on how far away the college is.

What about a foundation course more locally and include some independent travel training? Then moving on to another college offering applied science at a later date?

Have you looked to see if there is a special school/college that offer level 1 applied science or similar?