Post-16 phase transfer with EHCP / GCSE grades

[marshallmum]

Hi, DS has an EHCP and will most likely be moving schools next year after GCSEs to do T level rather than A levels.
I know the school/LA need to update his EHCP by March and name a new school - does this override the requirement to achieve the entry grades for the T level?
I can’t find anything to confirm that, only something about that the school could refuse on the grounds of the pupil being unable to follow the course… DS’ prediction grades this year are above the T-level entry requirements, and it’s another school in the same trust as his current school so hoping they can be sensible… but wanted to check before I ask them directly.
Realistically he should be fine, it’s just if he drops one grade from a 5 to a 4 (for example) in English that would no longer meet the requirements on paper even if the course has nothing to do with English and he wouldn’t require a resit.

The LA can only refuse to name a non-wholly independent school if the LA can prove:
-The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.

Naming the school by March isn’t then conditional on achieving certain GCSE grades. That doesn’t mean the school must admit to a certain course. Although the LA still has a duty to ensure anything detailed, specified and quantified in F is provided.

Ah ok thanks - not sure what would happen though if he’s admitted to the school, but not that course? So if (by getting a 4) he’s ineligible on paper for any of the courses offered, as they all have the same requirements…
I’ll ask the school how it works in practice! Hopefully it’s a nonevent and he gets the grades anyway, but it would take the pressure off if he has certainty about where he’s going next year.

Look at the law, not what schools/LAs want the law to say/what they claim their own policies say.

If named in I, they must admit to the institution. If DS gets a 4 instead of a 5, you may find DS is accepted onto the T-level anyway even though the official criteria say 5. They could in theory request an early review.

Thank you - that makes sense. We’ll keep working on English so hopefully this doesn’t become an issue but it’s reassuring to know what his rights are.