Secondary school

[OhFFS!]

Our DS has just started year 6 so we need to choose his secondary school. We have named a special school as his named school preference but have little chance of him getting in there. So we are looking at our local(ish) mainstream schools to see which ones would potentially suit him best.

His sister already goes to secondary school but doesn't have an EHCP whereas he does which means it's a different process. I contacted her school's SENCo to ask for a meeting to discuss his needs. She responded by saying that she had already received his details for consultation.

We weren't aware of this or the reasons why (local council still hasn't got back to me about having a meeting to discuss the process etc) .

Does this consultation just go to the school we named and his local catchment school or does it go to other local schools etc too (and would that be just mainstream or to other special schools too)

There are other potential mainstream schools that may be preferable so I want to ensure we don't end up getting railroaded in to the catchment one by default

I hope that makes sense.

If you think DS needs a SS but the LA doesn’t name your preference you should appeal.

What schools are consulted varies. LAs will often consult with local mainstreams. Some LAs will only consult with the nearest MS, others will initially consult with the local one and if they raise objections then consult with others, others will consult a few from the start. If there’s one locally who the LA feel is an easy touch they may consult them in the majority of cases. If the LA is going to name a SS they will often consult with other SSs as well as parental preference.

Thanks. Very helpful. We will do the rounds of the local mainstreams and then advise our council EHCP team of our views

Hi,

I hope this message finds you well. My family and I recently moved to Bishops Stortford, and I am facing a challenging situation regarding my older son's secondary school application.

We bought a new house and exchanged contracts in October. Then I applied for my son's secondary school in Hertfordshire while we were still living in London, and it seems this has caused a complication.

Hertfordshire Council requested proof that we were living in Hertfordshire when I submitted the application. I explained the situation to them, emphasizing that we exchanged contracts before I made the application. Unfortunately, they cancelled my application and advised me to contact Enfield Council, our previous address. They also stated that I could only submit a late application, putting my son at a disadvantage compared to other applicants.

I am feeling quite distressed and unsure of the best course of action. If anyone has faced a similar situation or has any advice on how to rectify this, I would greatly appreciate your guidance.

Thank you,

@FatmaSayan you would be better starting your own thread on the secondary education board.