Provision of new special schools
The Department for Education is inviting applications from proposer groups to open 2 new special free schools in Swanley and Whitstable in Kent.
The contextual documents below provide applicant groups with additional contextual information, which includes:
- the rationale, context and need for the school
- details on the commissioning of places, including the involvement of any other LAs commissioning places
- a brief description of the existing provision in the area
- future expected growth in pupil numbers
- how the LA expects places within the school to be filled.
Kent County Council and Create Schools are holding two virtual engagement events for prospective applicants to find out:
- more information about the new special schools in Kent
- how we expect the new schools to fit in with our strategic plans.
The virtual engagement events will take place via MS Teams on:
- Wednesday 13 September at 10am to 11am
- Friday 15 September at 1:30pm to 2:30pm.
To book a place on one of the events email newschools@kent.gov.uk with:
- your name
- contact details
- the date of the event you would like to attend.
We will then confirm your place and send you a link to join the event online.
23 August
- Mandatory pre-registration opens.
- Applications open.
13 September
- Engagement event for prospective applicants.
15 September
- Engagement event for prospective applicants.
22 September
- Mandatory pre-registration closes at 5pm.
3 November
- Application window closes at midday.
6 November to 1 December
- Applications are assessed.
8 to 31 January 2024
- Groups with the strongest applications will be invited to interview.
March 2024
- Successful applicants announced.
- Groups will then enter the pre-opening phase.