Further education in Scotland

This information is for deaf young people and families of deaf children in Scotland. Read our information for England and Northern Ireland.

Many deaf young people will leave school at 16 and move onto a further education or 6th form college (Colleges in Scotland). 

Further education (Education Scotland) can be a very different environment to school. Deaf young people's support needs might change as a result. 

Deaf young people may need additional support to choose a college and course. 

Choosing a college

By law, colleges are not allowed to unfairly discriminate against deaf young people. This means they cannot refuse a place to a young person just because they are deaf. They must make reasonable adjustments so that they can access their education. 

Find out more about deaf young people’s rights in education.  

Sometimes specialist support is needed. This might include a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or note taker. A deaf young person may be expected to have a formal support plan in place, for example, a Co-ordinated Support Plan (CSP). A CSP makes sure there is funding in place for this support. 

Some colleges have in-house teams with specialist staff. A deaf young person may prefer to go to a college that has a lot of experience of working with deaf students. The institution may have better deaf-awareness and be able to offer a deaf peer group. 

Additional support at college

Additional support received in school may not automatically transfer to college. Some local authority sensory support services work in colleges but many do not. This can mean that support from a Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) stops. 

If a deaf young person has a CSP with agreed support from a ToD, the support should continue at college. 

Personal profiles

Deaf young people can use personal profiles to share with teachers at college. A personal profile is a document that brings together the most important information about them. It can be shared with anyone working with them so they can support them in the best way possible.

Deciding what course to take at college

This is a decision a young person has to make. 

The choice of courses available depends on the entry requirements and exam grades. Many young people benefit from talking to a careers advisor to help them decide what to do.

Qualifications a deaf young person could get in further education include:

• National Certificate
• Advanced National Certificate
• SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas
• Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ)
• BTEC
• NPA or an Access Course

Remember most jobs are open to deaf people with the right support in place. 

See our information about work and employment. 

More information 

Support for disabled students (Disability Information Scotland)

Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland

The ILF provides up to £4,000 of support for young disabled people aged 16 to 25 transitioning from school or children’s services.

Information about further education for single parents (One Parent Families Scotland)

Further education courses guide (Student Information Scotland)