Find and apply for a school or college

If your child has special educational needs or a disability (SEND) you can apply for any mainstream school or college. Your application should be considered in the same way as for any other child.

See school admissions information

If your child has an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan, you (or the young person if they’re 16 or over) can ask for a mainstream or special school. You can do this when the plan is being written or at the annual review.

We’ll try to name the school or college you want in the EHC plan, but it’s not always possible.

If you don’t agree with us, you can consider mediation and appeal. For independent advice contact Amaze.

Mainstream schools and colleges

Mainstream schools

All East Sussex mainstream schools (maintained, academies and free schools) can support children with SEND including those with EHC plans.

East Sussex mainstream schools

Mainstream schools with specialist facilities

Some East Sussex mainstream schools have specialist facilities for children with EHC plans who require a more specialist provision.

Pupils are only admitted to special facilities when a statutory assessment of their special educational needs has been made and it is agreed that they need to attend a special facility.

Primary schools:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Churchwood Primary Academy
  • Grovelands Community School
  • Manor Primary School

Speech, language and communication needs

  • Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy
  • Wallands Community Primary School

Physical Disability

  • West St Leonards Community Primary School

Hearing Impairment

  • Manor Primary School
  • Willingdon Primary School

Secondary schools:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Bexhill High Academy
  • Hailsham Community College
  • Heathfield Community College
  • The Eastbourne Academy
  • Uckfield College

Speech, language and communication needs

  • Peacehaven Community School
  • The Hastings Academy

Physical Disability

  • The St Leonards Academy

Hearing Impairment

  • Willingdon Community School
  • Priory School

Specific learning difficulties with associated special education needs (e.g. anxiety or high functioning autism)

  • Priory School
  • Robertsbridge Community College

Independent mainstream schools

Independent mainstream schools in East Sussex on GOV.uk website Independent Schools Council website

Mainstream colleges and post-16 providers

Local colleges provide courses and apprenticeships for young people with a wide range of needs from age 16.

Mainstream colleges and post-16 providers in East Sussex on Careers East Sussex website

Special schools and colleges

Special schools

East Sussex maintained special schools and academies provide for children with significant or complex needs up to age 16 or 19.

East Sussex special schools

Independent and non-maintained special schools and colleges

Independent and non-maintained special schools on GOV.UK

Disabled access

If your child has physical needs which would need a school to:

  • be wheelchair accessible,
  • have specialist adaptations, or
  • have a disabled care suite

please talk to the Admissions Team or your Assessment and Planning Officer if your child has an EHC plan.

Transport

Find out if you qualify for free transport before applying for a school or college.