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. 

frequently asked questions

Below are some FAQs regarding the admissions and referrals process at On Track Education. Please be aware that this process will vary considerably depending on the local authorities and individual school.

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. 

The school responds to local authority referrals within 15 calendar days, stating whether and how it can meet the needs of the young person. The local authority will often consult with multiple schools to see who can best meet the needs of your child as outlined in their EHCP.  

On Track schools thoroughly assess each consultation to ensure that we can meet the needs identified in the EHCP and that the potential placements are compatible with our other students.  In addition to carefully reviewing the needs and outcomes identified within the EHCPs, the process will normally involve meeting parents/carers and young people referred to us, school visits and communicating with other professionals involved.  

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.  

All pupils referred to On Track are entitled to an enhanced transition which is bespoke to them and their needs. Transition support needs will normally be identified during the referral process, and we will work closely with parents and carers during the first weeks of the placement to ensure provision can be flexible to the needs of the young person.  

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.  

On Track continuously reviews the needs of its pupils and, in consultation with the local authority and other multi-agency partners, will adapt provision where possible. On occasions, this may require an interim EHCP review, and the school SENCO will coordinate this process.