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Kent 4 star Council

What is the process for arranging transfer to Secondary school?

At the beginning of year 5 you will be provided with dates of secondary school open days/evenings so that you can visit to help you make a decision about which school you would prefer your child to attend.

At the Year 5 Annual Review, your child's primary school will consider the issue of secondary transfer for him or her. If it is not possible to do this, then the school is expected to hold an early Annual Review in Year 6.

At the end of year 5, your child's primary school will be sent a form for the purpose of allowing you to express a preference for the maintained mainstream secondary school you would prefer your child to attend. You need to complete that form and return it to your child's primary school at the very start of your child's Year 6. The exact date that it needs to be returned is advised to parents each year. The school will then send the completed form to your Area Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Section, usually by a date during the third week of September.

When we know your preferred school, we will write to the school to consult them about naming the school in your child's Statement. If you do not express a preference the LA will write to the maintained mainstream secondary school that is closest to your child's home and that can meet his or her needs. We aim to start preliminary consultations with the school of your choice in October/November of Year 6 and to write to you in December formally confirming the proposal to amend your child's Statement, setting out the proposed Statement changes and seeking your views.

An Amended Final Statement must be sent to you by 15 February of Year 6, prior to your child's transfer in September. During the period between December and 15 February, you will have the opportunity to make any representations in respect of the proposed amended Statement.

If you do not agree with the Final Statement, you will have a right to appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal. An appeal needs to be made within 2 months of the LA's issue of the Amended Final Statement. Click here to enter The SEN and Disability Tribunal's website (this link opens in a new browser window).

The LA will always seek to resolve any issues or difference of opinion with you over the content of your child's Statement or the name of the school through conciliation or mediation. However, none of these informal processes will in any way prejudice your right of appeal to the Tribunal and both processes can take place at the same time.

Copyright Kent County Council 2008