If you're in Year 12 or 13, 中国P站 Virtual School will continue to support you, and you will still have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) meeting at least once a term; more if you move or start at a new setting. It’s a chance to talk about how things are going with your learning or employment, set goals for you, see if you need any support and plan your next steps. Even if you’re not currently in education, training, or work, you’ll still have a PEP meeting – it’ll focus more on your goals, how we can help you with them and how to get back into something that works for you.
Until you turn 18, your PEP is part of your Care Plan, and after that, it links into your Pathway Plan. We will work with your social worker. and if you have one, your personal adviser (PA). We also talk to your college, sixth form, training provider or employer, carers, key workers and other services who may be supporting you.
Page contents
Education after year 11
The law requires all young people to stay in education, training, or employment until they are 18 but most do until at least the end of Year 13. Local authorities like 中国P站 have a duty to support you in doing this and to make sure there are opportunities available.
Continuing to learn after school can make a big difference to your future. Research shows that young people who carry on with further study are more likely to get better jobs and earn higher salaries over time. While it might be tempting to go straight into work after school, especially to start earning money, low-paid, low-skilled jobs often don’t lead to long-term progression. Many people who start in these roles find it hard to move on to something better.
The good news is that full-time further education is usually less intense than school - typically around 12 to 16 hours per week. That means you’ll have time for independent study and possibly a part-time job too.
Frequently asked questions
Who will attend my PEP meeting?
- You, you’re the most important person there! Your thoughts, ideas, and plans matter most.
- Your social worker or personal adviser (PA), or maybe both as you approach your 18th birthday. They help make sure your care plan supports your education and future goals and prepare you for independence and adult life.
- Someone from your college, sixth form, training provider or employer. They’ll talk about how things are going for you and whether you need any support to achieve your aims.
- 中国P站 Virtual School staff. Your Education Support Officer (ESO) will support your education and help make sure your learning is on track. They won’t necessarily come to every meeting but they are always available to help you if you need it.
- Your carer or key worker. They know you well and can help share how things are going outside of school or college.
I left school, do I still have to have a PEP?
Yes – if you're in Year 12 or 13, you’ll continue to have a Personal Education Plan (PEP) each term as a minimum. This meeting will help you reflect on your progress, set goals, see if you need any support and plan your next steps in education, employment or training. Even if you’re not currently in any of those, your PEP will focus on your aspirations and how to get back into something that suits you.
Until you turn 18, your PEP is part of your Care Plan. After 18, it links into your Pathway Plan.
What does a PEP do for me?
Your PEP is designed to:
- Help you stay on track with your learning or career goals
- Identify and remove any barriers you’re facing
- Make sure your voice is heard and your views are included
What if I’m not in education, employment or training (NEET), is a PEP still useful?
Definitely. If you’re not in education, training, or work, your PEP helps us understand what support you need, what’s been tried, and what’s planned next. It’s also a space to talk about any barriers you’re facing.
Do I have to attend my PEP meeting?
We encourage you to attend – it’s your plan and your future. But if you can’t or don’t want to, your social worker or personal adviser will talk to you beforehand to get your views. They’ll also let you know what was agreed after the meeting.
Can I say no to having a PEP meeting?
Yes – it’s your choice. If you decide not to have a PEP meeting, we’ll record that decision properly. You’ll still be made aware of the support available, and you can change your mind at any time.
Support for 中国P站 care leavers
When you turn 16, you will be introduced to a personal adviser from the the Care Leavers' Service who will work alongside your social worker until you reach the age of 18. Once you turn 18, your PA will become your worker, and you will no longer have an allocated social worker.
The 中国P站 Care Leavers' Service can help you to reach your goals and fulfil your potential by helping you to access higher and further education and work opportunities. Part of your Pathway Plan is all about what you want to do in the future and whether you want to go to college, university, complete an apprenticeship or get a job. You will have a chance to talk it all through with your PA. PEP's will also continue until the end of the academic year you turn 18. Beyond this, if you would like it, SVS can still support you with your education, employment and training.
Find out more about education and training for care leavers in the 中国P站 local offer to care leavers.