Admissions at King Edwin School

Thank you for your interest in King Edwin School. We’re an independent special school for children and young people with social, emotional, educational and mental health needs, and our admissions process is designed to be clear, supportive and well-paced for families. We want the first experience with us to feel calm and well organised, with plenty of space for questions

Who Can Apply

Places at King Edwin School are commissioned by Local Authorities, such as the Stockton-on-Tees SEND and Inclusion Service. Pupils will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that identifies needs our provision can meet. In some cases, a Local Authority may request a time-limited assessment placement so that everyone can be confident about the right long-term support. If that happens, we complete a structured report within the Education, Health and Care Plan timelines to share assessment outcomes and our view on suitability.

Who Makes the Decision

Spark of Genius North East is the admissions authority for the school. Each referral is reviewed in a weekly panel that considers the child’s needs, risks and the potential impact within our community. The panel includes senior leaders from across the school, so the decision is thoughtful and well informed

The Step-by-step Journey

It starts when the Local Authority sends us a referral. We read the documents carefully. If everything suggests a good fit, we invite the young person, parents or carers, and key professionals to visit the school. A visit is important. It helps everyone picture daily life here and decide together whether our environment and approach feel right.

Sometimes we arrange a home visit as part of induction. This gives families time to share more detail, discuss any prescribed medication, and hear how we support positive behaviour using Team Teach. If a home visit is not required, we complete the induction paperwork during the first transition visit, so nothing is rushed.

If it will help, we can bring agencies together for a multi-agency meeting before admission. We also try, where appropriate, to observe the pupil in their current setting with the agreement of the placing authority. Clear information makes for a smoother start.

When the Local Authority confirms that King Edwin School is the right provision and agrees funding for the placement, a start date can be set. For transport arrangements, these will be agreed and managed by the Stockton-on-Tees Local Authority and shared with the family and the school.

The First Weeks in School

Every pupil benefits from a carefully planned settling-in period. Where needed we complete an initial ten-week assessment to understand learning profiles and support requirements. If anything significant emerges, we will hold an interim review meeting at the end of that period to agree next steps. If a student settles well and no additional needs arise, there is no need for a formal interim meeting.

Very occasionally, information surfaces after admission that was not apparent during consultation and would have changed the placement decision. In that situation we will call an interim review and may need to reconsider the offer. It is rare, but we are transparent about it. The priority is always the right placement for the child.

How to Get Started

If you are a parent or carer, please speak to your Local Authority SEND team about a referral to King Edwin School. You can find further guidance and support through the Stockton-on-Tees SEND Local Offer.

If you are a Local Authority professional and wish to consult with us about a pupil, contact our admissions team and we will arrange the next steps, including visits and documentation.

We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the process or our provision, please get in touch and we will guide you through it.

 

For Parents & Carers
Please contact your Local Authority SEND team to discuss a referral to King Edwin School. Key contacts for Stockton-on-Tees include: 

  • Stockton-on-Tees SEND Team: 01642 527145
  • Stockton SEND Navigator: 01642 528888 | sendnavigator@stockton.gov.uk
  • Stockton SENDIASS: 01642 527158 | sendiass@stockton.gov.uk

For Professionals
Local Authority professionals wishing to consult on a pupil, please contact our admissions team directly.