Guidance
Local authority specifications
Updated 16 May 2024
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-free-school-applications/local-authority-specifications
This list includes the local authority specifications for the latest special free school application wave.
We are now inviting applications from proposer groups to open new schools in these areas. Find out how to apply to open a special free school.
Contact the relevant local authority for more information about:
- the local context in their area
- their SEND strategy
- the per-pupil revenue funding they would expect to pay
- engagement events
Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Sharon Muldoon, Interim Director Education and Skills Email: Sharon.Muldoon@bcpcouncil.gov.uk Tel: 01202 093395 Tanya Smith, Head of Service Places, Admissions and Capital Email: Tanya.Smith@bcpcouncil.gov.uk Tel: 01202 093395 |
| Regional director contact | Lucy Livings, Regional Director for South West Email: RG.SW@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder |
| Number of places | 156, plus 24 nursery places |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | The Council is in the process of reviewing special school top-up funding rates. Current rates reflect legacy authority arrangements and range from £13,000 to £26,000 per pupil. |
| Age range | 3 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Buckinghamshire
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Paula Campbell-Balcombe Email: paula.campbell-balcombe@buckinghamshire.gov.uk Tel: 01296 382896 |
| Regional director contact | Dame Kate Dethridge, Regional Director for South East Email: RG.SE@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 152 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | Top-up funding between £6,360 and £64,713, depending on banding and need of the pupil |
| Age range | 7 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Bury
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Paul Cooke, Strategic Lead for Education Services Email: P.Cooke@bury.gov.uk Tel: 0161 253 5674 |
| Regional director contact | Vicky Beer, Regional Director for North West Email: RG.NW@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication needs |
| Number of places | 80 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus top-ups: £9,000 to £18,000 depending on the banding and need of the pupil |
| Age range | 4 to 11 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Cheshire East
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Claire Williamson, Director of Education Email: claire.williamson@cheshireeast.gov.uk Leon Kokkinos, Strategic Lead for SEND Email: leon.kokkinos@cheahireeast.gov.uk Joanne Prophet, School Organisation and Capital Strategy Team Email: joanne.prophet@cheshireeast.gov.uk |
| Regional director contact | Vicky Beer, Regional Director for North West Email: RG.NW@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder |
| Number of places | 120 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus average £15,000 per-pupil top-up, based on a banding system |
| Age range | 11 to 16 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
East Riding of Yorkshire
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Lesley Sellars, Head of Place Sufficiency and Development Email: lesley.sellars@eastriding.gov.uk Tel: 01482 396808 |
| Regional director contact | Alison Wilson, Regional Director for Yorkshire and Humber Email: RG.YH@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 120 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £20,000 per school place |
| Age range | 5 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Enfield
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Neil Best, Head of Strategic Resourcing and Partnerships Email: neil.g.best@enfield.gov.uk Tel: 020 8132 1435 |
| Regional director contact | Claire Burton, Regional Director for London Email: RG.LONDON@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder |
| Number of places | 48 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus top-up funding of £15,985 for complex autism pathway 1, and £50,000 to £70,000 for complex autism pathway 2 |
| Age range | 11 to 17 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Hampshire
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Helen Ley, Specialist Placement Lead Email: helen.ley@hants.gov.uk |
| Regional director contact | Dame Kate Dethridge, Regional Director for South East Email: RG.SE@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 125 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus top-ups of £2,422 to £41,968, depending on the banding and need of the pupil |
| Age range | 8 to 16 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Harrow
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Cath Milmine, Head of SEN Strategy, Assessment and Review Email: Catherine.Milmine@harrow.gov.uk Tel: 07599 656864 |
| Regional director contact | Claire Burton, Regional Director for London Email: RG.LONDON@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Severe learning difficulties; autistic spectrum disorder |
| Number of places | 292 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £20,748 for primary-age pupils, £25,138 for secondary-age pupils |
| Age range | 4 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Herefordshire
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Hilary Jones, Head of Additional Needs Email: Hilary.Jones@herefordshire.gov.uk |
| Regional director contact | Andrew Warren, Regional Director for West Midlands Email: RG.WM@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder; severe learning difficulties |
| Number of places | 70, plus 10 nursery |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus top-ups of £9,148.93 to £25,257.65 depending on the banding and need of the pupil. |
| Age range | 2 to 16 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Isle of Wight
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Jade Kennett, Service Manager, Strategic Development Email: jade.kennett@iow.gov.uk Tel: 07818 044526 |
| Regional director contact | Dame Kate Dethridge, Regional Director for South East Email: RG.SE@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder; social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 75 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | Current top-up bandings range from A1 (£4,525) to B3 (£17,079) |
| Age range | 9 to 16 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re progressing with the site identified by the local authority: former Carisbrooke College land, Mountbatten Drive, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5QU |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Lincolnshire
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Eileen McMorrow, Programme Manager, SEND and Inclusion Email: Eileen.mcmorrow@lincolnshire.gov.uk Tel: 07780 617884 |
| Regional director contact | Carol Gray, Regional Director for East Midlands Email: RG.EM@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 154 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus top-ups averaging £12,317, depending on the banding and need of the pupil |
| Age range | 5 to 16 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Newham
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Peter Gibb, Head of Education Access and Infrastructure Email: peter.gibb@newham.gov.uk Tel: 0203 373 3144 |
| Regional director contact | Claire Burton, Regional Director for London Email: RG.LONDON@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder |
| Number of places | 100 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus top-up funding of £18,000 |
| Age range | 4 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Nottinghamshire
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Karen Hughman, Group Manager, Education Access, Standards and Safeguarding Email: karen.hughman@nottscc.gov.uk Tel: 0115 9772572 |
| Regional director contact | Carol Gray, Regional Director for East Midlands Email: RG.EM@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder; social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 160 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus top-ups of £8,353.52 to £29,237.33, depending on the banding and need of the pupil |
| Age range | 7 to 18 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Solihull
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Ann Pearson, Team Leader, School Place Planning Email: annpearson@solihull.gov.uk Tel: 0121 704 6702 |
| Regional director contact | Andrew Warren, Regional Director for West Midlands Email: RG.WM@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Severe learning difficulties |
| Number of places | 150 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus £11,232 to £16,484 per pupil (top-up funding), depending on the banding and need of the pupil. |
| Age range | 11 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time, with a short number of short-term assessment places |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Stoke-on-Trent
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Andy Crabtree, Education Improvement Adviser Email: andy.crabtree@stoke.gov.uk Tel: 01782 233714 |
| Regional director contact | Andrew Warren, Regional Director for West Midlands Email: RG.WM@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder |
| Number of places | 54 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | Top-up values up to £22,000 |
| Age range | 8 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Surrey
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | To be confirmed |
| Regional director contact | Dame Kate Dethridge, Regional Director for South East Email: RG.SE@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 150 |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | To be confirmed |
| Age range | 11 to 16 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Walsall
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Rob Thomas, Head of Access, Children’s Services Email: rob.thomas@walsall.gov.uk Tel: 01922 652984 |
| Regional director contact | Andrew Warren, Regional Director for West Midlands Email: RG.WM@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder; severe learning difficulties; social, emotional and mental health; speech and language communication needs; moderate learning difficulties; profound and multiple difficulties |
| Number of places | 304, plus 8 nursery |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | Between £6,373 to £36,990, depending on the banding and need of the pupil |
| Age range | 3 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |
Westmorland and Furness
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Local authority contact | Sharyn Duffey, Strategic Lead, School Organisation, Admissions and Traded Services Email: <sharyn.duffey@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk Tel: 07825 054956 |
| Regional director contact | Vicky Beer, Regional Director for North West Email: RG.NW@education.gov.uk |
| SEN designation | Autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication needs; social, emotional and mental health |
| Number of places | 130, plus 5 nursery |
| Per-pupil revenue funding | £10,000 per place (base funding) plus an average top up of £29,053, depending on the banding and need of the pupil |
| Age range | 3 to 19 |
| Gender | co-educational |
| Type of placements offered | full-time |
| Proposed site | We’re working with the local authority to identify a suitable site |
| Further information | The local authority can provide more information about the local context, pupil needs and who to engage with when developing your plans. |