Special Schools Review: proposed changes to designations and admissions guidance

woman and boy smiling and touching foreheads

We are asking for your views as part of the review of state-funded special schools.

The proposals are about the future designations of special schools, the supporting admission guidance and a model of “school-to-school” support. The designation of a special school shows the specific category of need for which it caters.

Proposals have been made to ensure all Kent’s special schools are admitting and educating children and young people with the most complex needs. Our aim is to prepare children and young people with severe and complex special educational needs for adulthood by providing a state-funded special school place as close to their local community as possible.

Have your say

We are keen to hear your thoughts on the proposals.

Please tell us what you think by completing the online questionnaire on this page. Alternatively, you can find the Word version in the Documents section which you can download and email to us (or print and post).

Parents and carers can take part in one of our online forum events to find out more about the proposals and ask questions. To book your place, please use our booking form.

What happens next?

After the consultation closes, feedback from the consultation, along with the Equality Impact Assessment, will be presented to the Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee in the Autumn before a decision is made by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.

We will publish a consultation report on this webpage, summarising the consultation responses. An email will also be sent to those who complete the online questionnaire and select that that they want to be kept informed of KCC consultations.

We are asking for your views as part of the review of state-funded special schools.

The proposals are about the future designations of special schools, the supporting admission guidance and a model of “school-to-school” support. The designation of a special school shows the specific category of need for which it caters.

Proposals have been made to ensure all Kent’s special schools are admitting and educating children and young people with the most complex needs. Our aim is to prepare children and young people with severe and complex special educational needs for adulthood by providing a state-funded special school place as close to their local community as possible.

Have your say

We are keen to hear your thoughts on the proposals.

Please tell us what you think by completing the online questionnaire on this page. Alternatively, you can find the Word version in the Documents section which you can download and email to us (or print and post).

Parents and carers can take part in one of our online forum events to find out more about the proposals and ask questions. To book your place, please use our booking form.

What happens next?

After the consultation closes, feedback from the consultation, along with the Equality Impact Assessment, will be presented to the Children, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee in the Autumn before a decision is made by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.

We will publish a consultation report on this webpage, summarising the consultation responses. An email will also be sent to those who complete the online questionnaire and select that that they want to be kept informed of KCC consultations.

  • Have your say!

    We would like to hear your views on following proposed changes in relation to:

    • Special schools’ designation and admission guidance 
    • The school-to-school model of support

    We have provided this questionnaire for you to give your feedback. 

    We recommend you read the consultation document before responding to this questionnaire.


    Privacy: Kent County Council collects and processes personal information in order to provide a range of public services. Kent County Council respects the privacy of individuals and endeavours to ensure personal information is collected fairly, lawfully, and in compliance with the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation. Read the full Privacy Notice.

    Complete questionnaire

  • Online Forum Events booking form

    Use this form to book you place on one of our online events.


    Privacy: Kent County Council collects and processes personal information in order to provide a range of public services. Kent County Council respects the privacy of individuals and endeavours to ensure personal information is collected fairly, lawfully, and in compliance with the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation. Read the full Privacy Notice.

    Book your place