Admissions & Referrals

At On Track Education, we understand that choosing the right school is a big decision. Our admissions process is designed to be supportive, transparent and reassuring every step of the way.

Pupils are usually referred to us by their local authority, but if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you can also request a place through your local authority’s SEND team. We accept pupils throughout the academic year, ensuring that every young person joins us at the right time for them.

Once a referral has been made, we invite families to visit the school, meet our dedicated staff and experience the calm, nurturing environment we offer. This visit helps everyone feel confident that On Track is the right place for your child to learn and grow. 

Your first point of contact will normally be with your local education authority who will be able to advise you on whether On Track would be a suitable school for your child.  Young people will normally need an Education Health and Care Plan (formally known as a Statement of Educational Needs) in order to qualify for funding.   Parents and carers are always welcome to contact their local school for advice but referrals are only accepted from the local authority. 

Upon receipt of a referral On Track will make contact with you and arrange to meet so that we can begin the process of establishing if we would be a successful school for your child.  We will work closely with you, your child  and any other partners involved to ascertain whether we can meet your child’s needs and to ensure that On Track is the best environment for your child to flourish. If we all agree that this is the case we will respond to the local authority who will make the decision on whether or not a placement at On Track is the best one for your child.  

We can accept referrals and start placements at any point in the academic year.  

All our pupils are entitled to an enhanced transition but this will vary for each pupil.  Some students start immediately on a full time basis but for others the transition is slower.  

Each pupil’s timetable is unique to them and takes into account their individual needs and interests as well as the core school subjects.  Each school’s curriculum includes a wide range of choices at each school including a large range of vocational subjects, outdoor education,  forest school, music, cooking.  Your local school will be able to advise you best on the choices at their setting.