Transitions Toolkit

For High School Students exploring their next step.

We know a smooth transition sets students up for success.

This resource is designed for care experienced learners at school, as well as anyone who is a part of their support network. It focusses on important aspects to consider when looking at college, university, or employment. It is relevant for any care experienced young person who is transitioning from:

  • S4 into a College Course (either a January or August start)
  • S5 into a College Course or University
  • S6 into a College Course or University

Work through this toolkit before leaving high school with an adult such as a teacher, carer, parent or social worker. It’s never too early to think about next steps; you can use this toolkit even if you don’t know what you would like to do after school.

The toolkit is interactive; there are hyperlinks embedded and underlined throughout with additional information. This is a live toolkit, meaning information will be updated regularly.

To find out more about why transitions matter, read our blog post. 

Accessibility

A plain PDF version of our toolkit is available here. Please note that this document is not live, and indicates when it was last updated.

Downloadable resources


Here are our top tips for a smooth transition.

  1. It’s never too early to think about options and link in with support
  2. Reach out to named contacts pre-entry
  3. Tick the care experienced box on applications
  4. Share a learning profile with college/university pre-entry to open up support
  5. College applications open Oct for Jan start and Feb for Aug start
  6. Link in with other key adults to maximise support

If you still have questions, please contact a Hub for SUCCESS Staff member.

This toolkit has been made in collaboration with:

  • Student Ambassadors Jake Douglas and Daphne McClellan, alongside staff at the Hub for SUCCESS
  • Hub for Success Partners and Steering Group Members
  • Edinburgh College and West Lothian College staff
  • Lothian Equal Access Programme for Schools (LEAPS)
  • Louise Frew, Louise Murdoch, alongside City of Edinburgh Council

Thanks to all those who supported this project.