IPSEA
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) offers free and independent legally based education advice to parents of children with SEND. They also provide training on the SEND legal framework to parents and carers.
Information & advice
Choosing a secondary school for a child with SEND
This information applies to England.
Choosing a secondary school is a big step for any family. If your child has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), it’s not always easy to know what help is available or how to access it. But with the right information, you can feel more confident about what to look for and what questions to ask.
When should I start looking at secondary schools?
It’s a good idea to begin exploring secondary schools in Year 5 (when your child is around 9 or 10 years old). Starting early gives you plenty of time to research options, visit open days, and feel confident in your choices before applications open in Year 6.
Key dates*:
- September: Applications usually open (exact dates may vary depending on your local council).
- 31st October: Deadline to apply for a place.
- 1st March: National Offer Day – secondary school places are offered. (If this date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.)
*Please note this applies to mainstream secondary schools. Children with an EHCP follow a different process (see below).
Tips for choosing a secondary school
Choosing the right school can feel like a big decision but breaking it down into smaller steps can help. Here are some tips to help you choose: Here are some tips to help you choose the right secondary school for your child:
1. Start early
Begin looking at schools when your child is in Year 5. This gives you time to explore, visit schools, and plan ahead – especially if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as deadlines can differ.
2. Visit more than one school
Visiting a few schools gives you a better sense of what’s available. Look at the environment, speak to staff, and notice how the school feels. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Need help with what to ask? Use our list of suggested secondary school questions here.
3. Ask to meet the SENCO
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) may play a key role in supporting your child. Ask about their experience, what support looks like day to day, and how they work with families.
4. Look at qualifications and learning options
Find out what types of qualifications are offered – do they have a range of GCSEs, BTECs, or functional skills? This is especially important if your child may benefit from a more practical or flexible pathway.
5. Think about the school environment
Consider things like classroom layout, lunch arrangements, breaktimes, and how the school supports movement between lessons. Do they have quiet spaces or sensory-friendly areas?
6. Transition support
Secondary school can be a big change. Some schools offer extra visits or transition plans for children with SEND – this can make a big difference.
7. Social and emotional support
How does the school help with friendships, bullying, anxiety, or emotional regulation. Is there a pastoral team? What mental health support is available?
8. Read the school’s SEN information report
Every school must publish details about how they support pupils with SEND. You should be able to find their SEN information report on their website – if not, ask for a copy.
9. Take time to reflect
After your visits, give yourself time to think. A pros and cons list can help you compare schools. Talking it through with your child, their current school, or professionals who know them well can also give a helpful perspective.
Applying for a secondary school place
SEN school
To attend a SEN school, the first step is securing an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) for your child.
You can ask for a specific school to be named in the EHCP – this could be a mainstream or SEN school.
You can do this when the EHCP is first written, when your child moves to a new stage (like primary to secondary), or during an annual review.
Moving from SEN primary school to SEN secondary school
If your child already has an EHCP, you’ll be asked to share your preferred secondary school. You’ll likely talk about options during the annual review before the move.
The local authority must name the secondary school in your child’s EHCP by 15th February, ready for a September start.
Mainstream school
You must apply for a mainstream school place through your local authority. You’ll usually be asked to list at least three choices on the application form which you can complete online through the council’s admissions page.
What happens after choosing a primary school?
Once your child’s school place is confirmed, let their current primary school know so they can support the transition. It’s also a good idea to stay in regular contact with the new school’s SENCO to help plan ahead. Ask about any transition support they offer – some schools provide extra visits, taster sessions, or personalised plans to help children with SEND settle in.
You can also help your child prepare by talking positively about the move, looking at the school’s website together, and if possible, visiting the school again before September. Familiarising them with the layout, routines, or even travel routes can help ease anxiety.
Where to get support
Wherever you are on your child’s SEND journey through secondary school, you don’t have to do navigate it alone. Alongside Kids, there are many organisations offering guidance, advice, and practical support.
SENDIAS services
We provide SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support) services in several regional areas. Our support is free, impartial, and confidential, offering guidance to families of children and young people with SEND.
We’re here to help you understand your rights, navigate the SEND system, and support you through important decisions about education, health, and care.
Useful links
Contact
Contact provide online, printed and helpline advice on education, benefits and finances, childcare, social care, medical information and more. They run programmes across the UK, including information sessions, workshops, drop-ins in hospitals and parenting courses.
EHCP process
Find out more about the EHCP process; requesting an EHC assessment, creating an EHC plan and disagreeing with a decision.
Find your local authority
Enter your postcode on the GOV.UK website to find your local authority, then visit their SEN support section to learn more about the support available in your area.