Child with EHCP who is due to start or move school

Phase transfer guidance for a child with an EHCP

This guidance is for families with a child who: 

• has an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
• is due to start primary, junior or secondary school in September 2027 

Children with EHCPs have a separate school admissions process for moving to a new school. This process is known as a phase transfer. 

If your child does not have an EHCP, use the mainstream admissions process to apply for a school place. 

Support with moving to secondary school

We have also created guidance to help families prepare for the move to secondary school.

Read our guide on moving to secondary school.

Phase transfer timeline 

By end of July 2026 

Phase transfers will have been discussed at your child’s EHCP annual review meeting.  

September 2026 

We write to families to ask which school you would prefer your child to attend. 

October 2026 

Please let us know by Friday 30 October 2026 which school you would prefer.  

Tell us if your child has a sibling who currently attends the school you have requested. This will be taken into account when we allocate places, as long as the school is appropriate for your child’s needs.

We will start speaking with:

• the school you have told us you would prefer
• the nearest appropriate school we have identified for your child

November 2026 - February 2027

We will start consulting with schools. We will consult with your preferred school, as well as the nearest recommended school to your child's home address. 

February 2027 

By 15 February, we must tell you which school or type of school we will be naming and issue you with an amended final EHC plan. 

March to August 2027 

In a small number of cases, we will name a type of school or setting, but will not be able to name a specific school by 15 February. For these families, we will continue to speak to education settings and will give you regular updates while we find the right setting for your child. 

Phase transfer PDF information

You can also download information about the phase transfer process as a PDF guide.