Application process for primary schools for children with an education, health and care plan

You can also see a summary timetable for applying for a primary school place.

Speak to your child’s education provider or SEN case officer

Your child’s education provider or senior SEN case officer should tell you about the primary school application process when they issue or review your child’s EHC plan. If you have not had this discussion, and you want to have talk about applying for a primary school place, contact your senior SEN case officer.

Choose a school

We encourage you to visit or contact the schools that you are interested in applying for, to help you make your decision. See a list of primary schools.

We operate an inclusive policy and always aim to educate children in a mainstream education setting, if possible and appropriate. However, you can ask for a placement outside the maintained sector, which we will consider. You have the right to apply for a school, or other institution, which is:

• maintained school, and any form of academy or free school (mainstream or special)

• non-maintained special school

• an independent school, or independent specialist college (which has been approved for this purpose by the Secretary of State (PDF)).

How to apply

• put your first and second preference schools on the application form

• say why you are applying for them. This could include social reasons, such as family or friend connections with the school, or ease of travel 

• submit preferences by Tuesday 1 October 2024.

Please note: the SEN team will be in contact with you to submit supporting evidence for proof of address, such as a council tax bill, tenancy agreement or mortgage statement following the submission deadline.

If your child does not have an EHC plan

If your child does not have a EHC plan, or is currently undergoing an EHC needs assessment, you must apply through the central admission process and complete the central admissions form.