Special schools and specialist colleges
Special schools and specialist colleges
Special schools and specialist colleges are for young people who:
- have complex needs
- need more support than a mainstream college or sixth form can offer
Do I need an EHCP?
You must have an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). This is needed to apply for a place
How do I get a place?
The process is different from normal college applications. You (or your parent/carer) can ask for a school or college to be named in your EHCP This usually happens:
- when your EHCP is being written
- or at a review meeting (annual, interim, or emergency review)
Find out more
Important to know
Most special schools and colleges get full very quickly.
Who can help you?
It is important to talk to your EHCP Coordinator (Caseworker) or school/college staff. They can:
- give advice
- help you plan your next steps
- support your application
What are my options?
If you have very complex needs, you might go to
- a local special school or specialist college
- Sometimes (in a small number of cases): you may go to an independent specialist college. This only happens if: there is no suitable place locally (within about an hour’s travel)