Young people aged between 16 and 19 who have newly arrived from overseas will need information, guidance and support on the learning opportunities and pathways available to them.

These new arrivals are a diverse group and will have varying needs. Some young people may arrive in a secondary school near the end of statutory schooling and will need information, advice and support on continuing their studies. Others may be seeking to enrol in a school with a sixth form or a college for the first time.

14–19 phase of education

The government is committed to ensuring that all young people aged 16 to 19 have the opportunities to maximise their potential. It is developing a 14–19 phase of education that will personalise learning and allow more freedom for young people to follow learning programmes that meet their individual needs and aspirations.

Greater flexibility and differentiation in the 14–19 phase means there will be general and specialist courses and qualifications covering a wide range of subjects and skills. Providers will work collaboratively to provide programmes and guidance that support all young people to enter further and higher education or employment with training.

As with other students, newly arrived young people from overseas will need support when making their choices. They and their parents need information and guidance based on knowledge of them as individuals that takes into account their previous learning, areas of strength and weakness, their preferred learning styles, and their interests and aspirations.

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Access and entitlement

The Race Relations Act 1967, as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, makes it unlawful to discriminate directly or indirectly against applicants for school sixth-form or college places on the basis of their race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins. The 'Race relations legislation' area of this site offers further information on this.

As compulsory education in the UK ends at 16, newly arrived young people may have a number of possible pathways through post-16 learning.

Education in a school sixth form: A student already in a school with a sixth form can remain in the school for another two years, or can apply to go to another school with a sixth form. A newly arrived student not already at school can apply to study at a school sixth form. School sixth forms tend to focus more on academic rather than vocational qualifications.

Education in a sixth-form college: Sixth-form colleges (also known as tertiary colleges) tend to focus more on academic rather than vocational qualifications.

Education in a college of further education: Most young people who arrive in England at the age of 16 or over usually attend colleges of further education (CFE). CFEs offer a wide range of courses leading to academic and vocational qualifications. Many CFEs also offer English language courses for speakers of other languages. These courses are known as ESOL courses.

Higher education: Undergraduate study at higher education (HE) level includes first degree courses and Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HNDs).

Course fees

Regulations on fees are complex.  For many newly arrived young people, the requirement to pay course fees will depend on their immigration status, whether study is part-time or full-time, and whether the young person is receiving benefits or financial support from the government.

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Financial support

Young people will also need information and advice on what financial support is available when studying. Entitlement will depend on immigration status, whether study is part-time or full-time, and whether the young person is receiving benefits or financial support from the government.