Search site
Contact our office
Bedminster office
Fishponds office
Kingswood office
Make an enquiry
What Happens to an EHCP When a Young Person Goes to University?
Parents and young people sometimes contact us with questions about what happens if a young person with an Education, Health and Care Plan receives an offer from a university. There can be uncertainty about whether the EHCP continues and what support will be available once higher education begins.
In a recent video on our Education Law TikTok channel, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, explains what happens to an EHCP when a young person starts university.
Join our specialist Education Law team for a practical information day designed to support parents and carers navigating SEND, Education, Health and Care Plans and the wider SEN process.
Hear directly from our experienced Education Law team.
Clear information designed for parents and carers at different stages of the process.
Reserve your place online using the booking link below.
10:00am
Includes light lunch and tea or coffee
Complete your booking on Eventbrite to reserve your place.
Book on EventbriteBeverley Watkins explains why an EHCP does not continue into university and what alternative forms of disability and learning support may be available in higher education.
Video by Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors.
Once a young person begins a university course, their EHCP will cease. This means the local authority no longer has a legal duty to secure the educational provision set out in the EHCP.
Although the EHCP ends, this does not mean support stops altogether. There are alternative sources of funding and support available to students in higher education.
Eligible students may be able to access Disabled Students’ Allowance to help with additional study-related costs arising from a disability, health condition or specific learning difficulty.
Universities have disability support teams that can discuss adjustments, practical support and arrangements available within the institution.
Depending on the student’s needs and the university, specialist learning support may be available to assist with accessing the course.
Some universities and other organisations offer bursaries, hardship funds or other funding streams depending on individual circumstances.
Each university has its own disability support team, and it is important for the young person to contact the university directly to understand what adjustments and funding may be available.
If a young person with an EHCP is considering university, it is sensible to start discussions early. Understanding how support will transition from the EHCP system to higher education funding can help avoid gaps in provision.
Identify the support currently relied upon through the EHCP and consider what may still be needed in higher education.
Speak to the university disability support team about reasonable adjustments and the support available for the chosen course.
Consider Disabled Students’ Allowance, specialist learning support and any relevant university funding schemes.
Universities have duties under equality legislation to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students, but the structure of support is different from that provided under an EHCP.
If you would like advice about post-19 provision, transitioning from an EHCP to university or understanding the options available before higher education begins, our specialist Education Law team can advise on the position and possible next steps.
The full video, featuring Beverley Watkins answering this question, is available above and on our Education Law TikTok channel.
If you would like advice about post-19 provision, transitioning from an EHCP to university, or understanding your options, our Education Law team is here to help.
You can contact us by emailing education@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or calling 0117 939 0350 to discuss your situation and next steps.
Our Education Law TikTok features short videos from the Watkins Solicitors Education Law team answering common questions about EHCPs, SEND provision, school placements, Annual Reviews and SEND Tribunal appeals.
Follow @watkinssolicitors.sen for practical explanations from our specialist team and to see our latest SEND and Education Law videos.