Secondary (11–16)

Exams, transitions, and a voice that matters. Your voice — not just the adults'.

📖 How to tell YOUR own story

You're old enough to have your own say. The law says your views matter. Section A of your EHC plan is YOUR words. Not what adults think you meant. Not a summary. You.

SpeakUse the voice portal. Record a video. Write it down. Draw it. Your voice, your way. Nobody paraphrases you.

AskWhat do YOU want after Year 11? College? Apprenticeship? Work? You don't have to know yet — but start thinking.

KnowYou have rights. The LA has to listen to your preference. From Year 9, they must plan for your adulthood.

Year 9+ — transition to adulthood starts now

Year 9First transition planning meeting. Preparing for adulthood outcomes set: employment, independent living, community, health. These go in Section E.

Year 10Work experience. College taster days. Careers advice. The plan must reflect what you want to do — not what's easiest to arrange.

Year 11Finalise post-16 placement. College application. Supported internship application. If no offer by March, the LA is flagged. Exam access arrangements confirmed.

Exams — access arrangements

You may be entitled to: extra time, a reader, a scribe, a laptop, rest breaks, a separate room, modified papers. These must be your 'normal way of working' — not a last-minute request. Apply early. The SENCo arranges the assessment. If they say no, ask why in writing.

Mental health — when CAMHS says no

CAMHS refuses most referrals. 'Not at threshold' is not the end. The LA still has a duty to secure health provision in the plan (Section G). Ask the LA: what alternative support is available while you're on the waiting list? Record every referral, every refusal, every reason.