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Soaring Beyond School: Free Support for Disabled School Leavers

Leaving school can feel like stepping off a cliff —especially when the usual pathways don’t quite fit.

For many disabled and neurodivergent young people, the question “What’s next?” comes with extra layers: systems that are hard to navigate, limited guidance, and pressure to make big decisions before you feel ready.

That’s why Flying Kites is excited to be offering three funded Soaring Beyond School projects in different parts of Tāmaki Makaurau and the Bay of Plenty — all with the same kaupapa at heart: you don’t have to figure out your future alone.

What is Soaring Beyond School?

Soaring Beyond School is a free, one-on-one support service for disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 15–22 who are approaching the end of school or have recently left.

This is not a course, programme, or classroom-basedintervention.
There are no assessments to pass, no pressure to “decide everything”, and noone-size-fits-all outcome.

Instead, it’s a series of relaxed, individual conversations with a Flying Kites facilitator who takes the time to listen, understand, and support each young person to explore what their next steps could look like — at their pace.

“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

Sessions are delivered online via Zoom, making them accessible and flexible around energy levels, transport, and daily life.

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What we support with:

Each young person’s journey looks different, but conversations often explore things like:

  • Community activities, social connections, personal goals and interests
  • Study, training, or employment pathways (including non-traditional options)
  • Disability supports, Individualised Funding, and government services

We work alongside the young person — and where helpful, their whānau/supporters — to help make sense of options and turn uncertainty into a clearer, more achievable plan.

 

Three locations, one shared vision

Thanks to generous funding, Soaring Beyond School is currently funded in three areas:

🌊 Mt Maunganui &wider Tauranga area

Building on the success of our previous Bay of Plenty project, this service supports disabled school leavers to explore local opportunities, community connections, and next steps beyond school.

🌿 Puketāpapa

Supporting young people in the Auckland Puketāpapa area to navigate transitions, identify pathways that fit, and connect with the supports available to them.

🏙️ Ōtara–Papatoetoe

Working alongside rangatahi and whānau in Ōtara–Papatoetoe to explore futures that are grounded in strengths, culture, and personal goals.

While each project responds to its local community, all three are guided by the same values: choice, respect, accessibility, and believing in young people’s potential.

We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations that have made these projects possible, allowing us to offer this support free of charge to young people and their families.

 

Not in one of these regions?

If you’re outside these areas, we’re still happy to help. Flying Kites can offer Soaring Beyond School-style support on a fee-for-service basis, providing the same personalised, one-on-one guidance to explore options, build confidence, and plan next steps.

If you’d like to talk about what this could look like, please get in touch.

 

Who is this for?

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

  • Are disabled and/or neurodivergent
  • Are aged between 15 and 22
  • Are leaving school soon, or have already left
  • Feel unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck about what comes next
  • Would benefit from calm, personalised support rather than another programme

No referral or diagnosis paperwork is required — just a willingness to have a conversation.

 

About Flying Kites

Flying Kites is a charitable trust supporting disabled people to live full, meaningful lives.

We work alongside individuals and whānau to:

  • Plan next steps and life goals
  • Navigate disability systems and supports
  • Make the most of Individualised Funding
  • Build confidence, independence, and connection

Our work is grounded in listening, relationships, and the belief that disabled people are the experts in their own lives.

 

How to apply

Spaces are limited and fully funded.
You can apply directly for your location here:

If you have questions or want to check whether this service is the right fit, you’re very welcome to get in touch: robyn.hoffman@flyingkites.org.nz

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