← Articles

Soaring Beyond School: Free Support for Disabled School Leavers

June 1, 2026

Free support for disabled and neurodivergent teens and young adults aged 16–24, navigating life after school.

Leaving school is a big transition. For many disabled and neurodivergent young people, the question "what's next?" can feel overwhelming, systems are hard to navigate, options aren't always obvious, and it can be hard to know where to start.

Soaring Beyond School is Flying Kites' free support service for young people in this moment. We offer short, focused one-on-one sessions to help you get clear on what you want and figure out how to get there.

"The Flying Kites – Soaring Beyond Schools programme gave us both something vital - a sense of direction and the hope that things can improve."
- Kristal, Bay of Plenty

What we can help with:

Every young person's situation is different. Sessions are focused on what matters to you, and might cover:

  • Goal planning and preparing for adulthood
  • Getting work ready
  • Funding, WINZ, and disability support navigation
  • Community connections and social goals
  • Needs assessment support

Sessions are delivered via Zoom, making them flexible around transport, energy, and daily life. Sessions can be with the young person, their whānau or supporters, or a mix of both - whatever works best.

Is this for me?

This service is a good fit if you (or your young person):

  • Are disabled and/or neurodivergent
  • Are aged 16–24
  • Are approaching the end of school, or have already left
  • Feel unsure or stuck about what comes next

No referral, diagnosis, or paperwork needed.

Where we're currently funded

Soaring Beyond School is currently available free of charge in Tauranga and Waikato.

Not in one of these regions? We'd still love to hear from you. Depending on where you are, we may be able to offer support on a fee-for-service basis, or add you to a waitlist if funding becomes available in your area. Email robyn.hoffman@flyingkites.org.nz to find out more.

How to register

Registration is simple, use the link below for the relevant region.

Sign up for Tauranga here

Sign up for Waikato here

Have a question first? Email robyn.hoffman@flyingkites.org.nz - we're happy to chat.

Funding acknowledgement

Soaring Beyond School is made possible through the generous support of the Hillier Bequest Trust, D V Bryant Trust, and SkyCity Hamilton Community Trust. This funding allows us to offer the service free of charge to young people and their whānau.

Want to hear the latest news? Sign up to the Flying Kites newsletter and we will keep in touch.