how do i even apply for sec school? deadline is this month n im lost

[BabySteps2025]

hi, ive got my ds3 (10) in year 6 n im ment to be applying for sec school by end of october. ive done this before with my older 2 boys but it feels diff this time cos ds’s got possible sen (school sayin prob asd but no proper diagnosis yet). i dont know how to work out which schools would actually support him best or if i just apply like normal n hope?

i keep lookin at the portal thing but its askin me to rank choices n i just get stuck cos i dont know if he’ll cope in a massive school. i dont wanna mess it up n him end up miles away or in a place that dont understand him.

do i need to talk to his senco before i put choices down? or is that only if he had an ehcp (he dont atm). any advice would help cos im stressing bad now n deadline is coming up quick.

thanks x

as He doesn’t have an EHCP with a specific school named on it, then it’s will be up to you to decide which school would be best for him, and the usual rules apply.

check which schools you are in the catchment area of.
next check their admissions criteria - who gets priority?
some schools it will be the kids in the feeder schools get priority, other schools it will be done on the distance from your home address to the schools postcode it siblings.
there might be a religious requirement for some schools.

if you google ‘how places were allocated last year’ for your local area you will be able to see the likelihood of you getting a place or not.

speak to the schools to see what their SEN provision is. Some schools are great, some aren’t!

always put your first choice school as number one on the application list, even if you think you might not get in.

ALWAYS have at least one school on your list you’d be happy with, otherwise you might get allocated an unsuitable school.

have you visited any schools? Most open evenings and open mornings are taking place this week. Get googling!

Have you started the EHCP process?

Have you visited any schools to get a feel? If he's got older siblings then would he even get a place at another school?

It's worth talking to the senco at your son's current school as they might be able to advise you on what schools will best support your child.

You will need to find out which schools you are in catchment for or distance (depending on the rules for admission where you are).

You also should visit those schools to get a feel for what they are like (along with your child). All the open evenings I have be to provide an opportunity to talk to the senco. They should be able to give you an idea of the support they can provide.

Finally our primary school provides support to parents who are struggling with the application process. Can you see if there is something similar in your school.

Good luck - it's a really difficult decision