Applying for a school place in York

The move from primary to secondary can be a nerve-wracking time for both children and their families. There is some great general advice online. The Moving up website is particularly helpful.

In York we aim to make this transition as smooth as possible. By law, the secondary transfer process is different for children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. This applies to both mainstream and special schools.

If your child does not have an EHC Plan, you need to apply for a secondary school place using the central admissions process.

If your child has an EHC Plan and is due to transfer to secondary education in September 2025, you will have the opportunity to submit a list your preferred schools in the first half of Autumn Term of Y6 using the York SEND secondary school Preference form.

If your child is currently being assessed for an EHC Plan but it has not been finalised, you are advised to also apply for a school place using the standard admissions process. This will ensure they have a school place if the EHC Plan is not agreed or if the process is not completed by National Offer Day (1 March). Your SEN caseworker will discuss your preferences if and when the plan is agreed to be issued.

Timetable for SEN secondary transfer

Year 5

In Year 5, visit all the schools you are considering. Open Evenings are held in all York secondary schools in the Autumn Term.

Use the Annual Review meeting to discuss the transition to secondary school. Use the Review meetings to discuss the transition to school and to make sure the EHCP is still accurately describing your child’s special educational needs.

Visit all the schools you are considering. You may want to ask for support from your primary school SENCO or other relevant professional.

Year 6 autumn term - before half term, no later than 31 October

Complete the York SEND secondary school Preference form.

Your completed preference forms should be returned to email: [email protected].

City of York Council will send formal consultation to your preferred secondary schools. The child's nearest suitable school will always be consulted as a matter of procedure.

Consultations may also be sent to the secondary schools deemed appropriate by City of York Council, in line with efficient use of resources.

Year 6 - beginning of spring term

An EHC plan must be reviewed and amended in sufficient time prior to a child or young person moving between key phases of education, to allow for planning for support and provision at the new institution. The review and any amendments must be completed by 15 February in the calendar year of the transfer from primary school to secondary school.

Currently the Local Authority is processing all the requests for this transfer. Parents will be informed of the decision regarding school placements, via secure email, on or before 31 January to allow for the amendments to the plan. Please note: there is no connection between the time of the notification and the nature of the decision.

You'll be notified directly by the SEN Team by 15 February and not on National Offer Day (1 March).

Information about schools and meeting your child’s SEN needs

Finding and choosing the right school for your child can feel like a big decision.

Most children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can thrive in mainstream schools and every education setting has an obligation to support children to fulfil their potential and to make sure that they're included at every opportunity. Schools must put arrangements in place to support your child's individual needs.

There are different types of secondary school places for children with an EHCP in York:

• local authority maintained mainstream
• Academy mainstream - Some schools have become Academies and are not maintained by the Council, but have similar admission procedures
• Enhanced Resource Provisions in mainstream schools
• secondary special schools

Before you choose a school

We recommend when looking for your child’s new school you:

• attend their open days or evenings
• read their SEND policy and SEND information report, both should be available on their website along with information about their curriculum and facilities
• arrange to meet the school's SENCO
• ask them specific questions to find out how they will support your child
• read advice from York SENDIASS on choosing a school
• read their OFSTED report
• consider how your child will get to school, and how your school preference may affect their eligibility for free school transport; your child is unlikely to qualify for transport assistance if they are not attending the nearest school to your home that can support their needs

Making your choices

If your child has an EHC Plan and is due to transfer to secondary education in September 2025, you will have the opportunity to submit a list of your preferred schools in the first half of Autumn Term of Y6 using the York SEND secondary school Preference form.

Please complete all parts of the form and ensure email addresses are clear and up to date as this is how we will communicate with you. You can select up to five schools in order of preference. When not selected in your preferences, the child's nearest suitable school will always be consulted as a matter of procedure. Details of the preference form process will also be sent to your child’s current primary school.

If any of your preferences are for a school in another local authority you must still complete the York SEND secondary school Preference form and name the schools on the form; we will contact the school and other local authority on your behalf in order to seek a view on the suitability and availability of a place.

Remember, other local authorities may not be able to offer your child a place. Therefore, it is advisable to also consider the provision in York.

You may also submit a preference to City of York Council for a place in an independent or non-maintained school. The City of York Council is required to consider this preference but can also consider maintained schools in line with the efficient use of resources.

If you do not submit a completed preference form

If you do not submit a Preference Form, we will:

• seek advice from your child’s current school
• consider all information available such as the most recent Annual Review and current EHC Plan; and
• proceed to consult with the closest appropriate school setting in order to secure a placement

It is therefore important that you express a preference of a named school for your child, should you wish a specific school to be considered.

How places are allocated

School places are allocated in accordance with the SEND Code of Practice (2015), which requires that a decision is made after taking into account the child’s special educational needs, parental preference and the formal view of the schools requested.

City of York Council is required to comply with parental preference for a state funded school unless:

• the school is unsuitable to the child’s age, ability, aptitude or SEN; or
• the placement would be incompatible with the efficient education of the other children who the child would be educated with; or
• incompatible with the efficient use of resources

If you are unhappy about the school or college named on your EHC Plan

If you would like to discuss the school, college or provision that is named on the EHC Plan then you can discuss with the SENCO at the setting in the first instance or you can also speak to Caseworker. Please note that while the caseworker can listen to your concerns and give advice, they will not be able to immediately overturn any offer or decision.

If you disagree with the setting or provision, we have named you can appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal.

The views and opinions of children, young people and their families are important to us. We want your voices to be heard.