What Comes After School?
Updated: January 2026
Exploring Post-School Options for Learning Disabled, Autistic and ASN School Leavers
The school bell rings. The timetable is set. But for pupils in their final year — especially those who are autistic, have learning disabilities or have additional support needs (ASN) — the biggest question isn’t about what class comes next.
It’s about what happens after school ends.
The pressure of “what’s next”
Returning to school after a break always brings a mix of emotions. But for those in their final year, the weight of “what comes next?” starts to build quickly — and for parents and carers, the planning begins in earnest.
For some, college or an apprenticeship is the next natural stage. And for many, these can be brilliant routes to further development and employment. But for others — especially neurodivergent individuals and those with more complex support needs — the mainstream options don’t always fit.
So what do you do if college or apprenticeships aren’t quite right? What if your young person needs more time, more tailored support, and more space to develop practical, social, and independence skills before stepping into the next stage of life?
Knowledge is power — and peace of mind
It’s never too early to start gathering information. Understanding the full range of post-school options available can ease the pressure, empower young people to make informed decisions, and give families the confidence that there is a next stage — one that’s right for them.
Knowing what services are available locally, what kinds of support are required, and how these align with your young person’s needs and interests can make all the difference.
A holistic, community-based alternative
At Edge Group Scotland, our Transitions Programme is a specialist supported day service designed specifically for school leavers are autistic, have learning disabilities and/or other additional support needs who may not be ready for mainstream college or training environments.
Our programmes focus on real-world life skills, practical experience and confidence-building, delivered through a purposeful blend of outdoor and water-based activities, teamwork, real-world volunteering opportunities, travel training and personal development. Alongside this, participants gain SQA-recognised qualifications embedded within their personalised learning journey, ensuring that progress is not only meaningful but formally recognised — delivering specialist social care support with recognised, certified outcomes that build on each young person’s existing strengths and experiences.
“I don’t need a taxi anymore because I can now travel on my own. I get the bus to Edge every day!” — Transitions Client
It’s not school. It’s not college. It’s a purposeful transition pathway with recognised outcomes — designed for young adults who need something different to progress towards independence with confidence.
It’s OK if the path looks different
Every young person is different. Every destination will be, too. For neurodivergent individuals, the most important thing is finding an option that supports them to thrive in their own way, at their own pace.
Our aim is never to replace other pathways — but to ensure that families and professionals know there is a broader landscape of post-school options, including services like ours.
“The support has been transformational… Edge has provided hope, confidence, new friendships, and a reason to get up in the morning.” — Parent
Start the conversation now
If your child or the young person you support is entering their final year, now is the time to start exploring what comes next.
You don’t need to have all the answers today. But having the right information, early on, can make the transition far smoother.
2026 Intake Referrals Are Now Open
The referral deadline for our next intake (July) is 29th May 2026 - Places are limited so don’t delay!