Higher and further education

Most young people with special educational needs attend a mainstream college or training provider with other young people of the same age. For disabled young people and those with special educational needs there are specialist courses and opportunities within Havering.

Disability Rights UK have produced guides for anyone with a health condition:

To read more about Education Guides click here

Young people aged 16 with special educational needs and disabilities who wish to continue with their education have a number of options available, dependent on their needs. The specialist provisions in Havering include:

Lime Trust - Ravensbourne

Lime Academy Ravensbourne, as part of the Lime Trust, is a school for children with special educational needs, based in the London Borough of Havering.

Ravensbourne admit pupils from ages 2 to 19 years old with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Working closely with parents, carers and other professionals to make the students’ time at Lime Trust as enjoyable, worthwhile and stimulating as possible. Providing exciting learning opportunities for everyone, with a strong emphasis on the skills that children and young people will need for life when they leave as adults. They aim to develop the skills and knowledge of all their students so that they can become independent and confident adults of the future.

Find out more on the school website: Lime Academy Ravensbourne (Opens in new tab)

Lime Trust – Forest Approach

Lime Academy Forest Approach is a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school based in the London Borough of Havering. Pupils range from Reception year to Sixth Form. The school aims to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum offering opportunities to learn at a level that is appropriate to everyone, with activities that are accessible to all.

The school ensures that pupils receive the right care and support, focused on their specific additional needs. Support can be either in the classroom, working individually, or in groups outside the classroom. They develop pupils’ abilities both academically and socially so that they have the building blocks to succeed broadly in their future. We help pupils to become more confident and to try new things, modelling that we, as adults, also continue to learn new things. 

Find out more on the school website: Lime Academy Forest Approach (Opens in new tab)

Corbets Tey School

Corbets Tey School admits children and young people from the ages 4 to 19, all with Education, Health and Care Plans detailing educational needs, including communication and interaction difficulties, Autism and medical syndromes and physical and sensory needs.

There are two sites with Pre-16 students at the main site in Upminster and Post-16 students at The Avelon provision in Rainham.

Corbets Tey School is committed to preparing its pupils for the future, both through engaging, meaningful education and by developing confidence, self-belief and resilience.

Find out more on the school website: Corbets Tey School (Opens in new tab)

The Routes4Life Vision 

Our vision is to develop well-rounded, confident and responsible individuals who aspire to achieve their full potential.  

We will provide an individualised curriculum incorporating skills for Independent Living, Community Participation and Employability, as well as preparing for good health and wellbeing.  

We aim to offer opportunities to discover new skills and knowledge that will engage students through a bespoke programme.  

Each young person is treated as an individual with choice and decision-making at the heart of their curriculum. 

Routes4Life aims to provide a successful transition to a more independent and meaningful life in their local community.

Find out more on the Routes4life website: Routes4Life (Opens in new tab)

Barking & Dagenham College (B&DC)

Barking & Dagenham College is a Post-16 Further Education college based in the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. 

Additional learning support is available to all students with learning difficulties or disabilities, and to those who require extra help with literacy, numeracy or language.

B&DC also offers supported internships that are one-year courses designed for young people aged 16-24 with EHCP, and adults aged 25+ with a formal diagnosis of a learning disability.

Find out more on the college website: Barking and Dagenham College (Opens in new tab)

Havering Adult College (HAC)

Havering Adult College, based in the London Borough of Havering, delivers adult education (19+) provision. HAC host a wide range of courses, including those for learners with SEND, and provides support for learners to access these courses.

Havering Adult College is committed to providing all learners with a wide range of high-quality courses to help enhance their prospects, aspirations, health, and wellbeing. This means that sometimes a learner may need more support. 

Find out more on the college website: Havering Adult College (Opens in new tab)

New City College

New City College is the largest college in East London with seven campuses, including the Havering Further Education College, Ardleigh Green and Havering Sixth Form College.

Specialist SEND courses are designed around students’ unique needs, ensuring they get the right support, resources and teaching to thrive in a safe and inclusive environment. Ardleigh Green Campus offers flexible, individually tailored support from the Aspirations Programme to Pre-Support Internships.  This allows students to develop vital learning and life skills so they can fulfil their absolute potential.

Find out more on the college website: New City College (Opens in new tab)

Page reviewed 08.09.25

If you’re a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability, you can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

You can get the allowances on top of your other student finance. You won’t need to repay DSAs.

You can get help with the costs of:

• specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability
• non-medical helpers
• extra travel because of your disability
• other disability-related costs of studying

Apply for Disabled Students Allowance.

The London Borough of Havering commissions Shaw Trust to provide a service for young Havering residents to provide information, advice and guidance about post-16 options.

If you are aged 16 –19 (or up to 25 if you have additional needs) and live in Havering, Shaw Trust can offer you support with your next steps.

• Work: CV production, covering letters, application forms, online applications, job search, interview techniques
• Training: Information on Apprenticeships and alternative training provision
• Education: Information and guidance on Post 16 choices, including Schools, Colleges and Universities and courses available
• Benefits advice: Advice on Job Seekers Allowance, income support and Child Benefit (under 18 only)

Shaw Trust are based at Tollgate House, First Floor, 96-98 Market Place, Romford, RM1 3ER (adjacent to Iceland Grocery shop).

Email any queries to: Haveringenquiries@shaw-trust.org.uk

Or by phone: 01708 746401