Supporting your learning journey
Your success in life - whether through education, work or training - is our top priority. You've got options, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you're looking to jump straight into work, pursue higher education, or start an apprenticeship, check out the opportunities and resources available to you within Hillingdon or even further afield - all with the support of your personal adviser and Hillingdon's Virtual School.
Hillingdon Virtual School (HVS)
If you're a care leaver, you can access tailored advice and guidance from Hillingdon Virtual School up until you're 25.
HVS can help with:
- education opportunities - explore paths in further and higher education
- university information - detailed information on grants, bursaries, and what university life has in store
- apprenticeships - hands-on career training in various fields
- employment opportunities - guidance to help you find and secure a job that suits you.
To get in touch with HVS, email virtualschoolpost18@hillingdon.gov.uk
Hillingdon Council's support for young people
We provide a comprehensive range of services and programmes to help young people who are not currently in education, employment, or training.
For full details, visit our Education, employment and training support for young people page.
Additional support for young people with special needs
- Access to Employment Support - Mind in Hillingdon - a service that helps anyone with mental health needs find work and live independently.
- Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support - helping 16 to 25-year-olds with autism and learning difficulties gain employment through supported work placements, CV building and job coaching.
Higher Education and Financing Your Studies
- UCAS - The gateway for applications to higher education in the UK, offering extensive support and advice.
- Student finance - manage how you finance your higher education with loans and grants that are repayable once you start earning.
Organisations offering additional support
- Buttle UK and Propel UK - provide extra support for care leavers entering higher education.
- Catch22 - offers personalised employment and training programmes to help overcome barriers to employment, providing everything from CV assistance to job placement support.
- Drive Forward Foundation - empowering young care leavers to achieve their career aspirations through comprehensive employment support.
Explore more with the Care Leaver Covenant
The Care Leaver Covenant is a commitment by sectors to support care leavers aged 16 to 25-years-old in living independently. This includes work experience and placements, apprenticeship, career support, exclusive events and more.