At St Elizabeth’s Sixth Form, we believe that preparing for adulthood is not just about gaining qualifications - it's about building confidence, independence, and the life skills each young person needs to thrive beyond Sixth Form. Our tailored programmes are designed to support learners aged 16–19 with complex needs in developing the knowledge and experiences that empower them to make meaningful choices about their futures.
Every learner at St Elizabeth’s follows a personalised pathway that supports their individual goals and aspirations. We embed the four key Preparing for Adulthood outcomes - employment, independent living, community inclusion, and health - throughout our curriculum and daily routines. This approach ensures that each young person receives the right support to develop at their own pace, while experiencing success in a safe and nurturing environment.
We place a strong emphasis on functional skills, communication, and independence. From managing money and cooking meals, to using public transport and accessing the local community, learners are given real-life opportunities to transfer their skills and apply them in everyday settings. Our dedicated team supports each student in gaining confidence and control over their choices, whether that means preparing for supported living or developing routines for self-care and wellbeing.
For our Pathway 3 learners, preparing for adulthood focuses on developing communication, engagement and emotional wellbeing through a highly individualised and therapeutic approach. Learning is centred around nurturing a sense of self, building trusting relationships, feeling safe and encouraging participation in meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Through sensory exploration, movement, music and interaction, learners are supported to express preferences, make choices and build confidence in familiar routines.
Transition is an important part of every young person’s journey. At St Elizabeth’s, we work closely with families, carers, and external professionals to ensure each learner has a clear, person-centred plan in place. We provide guidance and advocacy to help learners and their families make informed decisions.
With small class sizes, experienced staff, and access to therapeutic and clinical support, learners benefit from a highly individualised and inclusive setting. Our community is built on respect, understanding, and encouragement, where young people are empowered to discover their interests, celebrate their achievements, and grow in self-belief.
The Careers and work related learning curriculum works in partnership with parents and carers to promote the transfer of skills into their home lives. Pupils are encouraged to participate in home learning activities which support the retention of learning more consistently. This approach supports pupils and their family’s aspirations for the future.
Careers Leader Contact Details: Anna Drury from Herts County Council, Services for Children & Young People (LDD Team)
Email Address: anna.drury@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Telephone no: 01438 845302
A reminder of the support available through Services for Young People (SfYP), and to highlight the range of projects currently available for young people.
We deliver youth work for ages 11–17 (up to 25 for care leavers and those with SEND), focused on building life skills, supporting wellbeing, and helping young people reach their potential and transition successfully into adulthood.
Our current projects at Bishop’s Stortford Young People’s Centre are:
- Youth Council - For young people who want to have a voice, share their views, and be involved in shaping their community or local services. It is an opportunity to building confidence, develop communication and leadership skills, and engage in group discussions and decision-making.
- Positive Pathways - For young people who are involved in, or at risk of, antisocial behaviour, offending, or criminal exploitation. It is particularly beneficial for those who would benefit from targeted support to make safer choices, build resilience, and develop positive coping strategies.
- M&M (SEND) - For young people with mild to moderate special educational needs and/or disabilities. This project offers young people a chance to build confidence, develop social skills, and engage in positive group activities in a safe and supportive environment.
- Youth Zone - For young people who would benefit from a safe, social space to engage with peers and participate in positive activities. This project focuses on supporting young people to improve their physical wellbeing, build confidence, and develop social skills, and to have fun while they do it.
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Voices of Hertfordshire - Gives young people a voice to share their thoughts for the future, their worries and hopes for their next destinations. They can get support and help to achieve their goals for the future in careers and work based opportunities.
We are keen to ensure young people are accessing the most appropriate support and would welcome any referrals or conversations about students who may benefit.
As we are part of Hertfordshire County Council, all of our services are Local Authority funded and free at the point of access for all Hertfordshire based young people.
You can make a referral to us here About Services for Young People
Please feel free to get in touch if you’d like more information or to discuss any young people.