Applying to be on the approved list of independent special institutions
The process independent special providers need to follow to be considered for entry onto the list of approved institutions.
- From:
- Department for Education
- Published
- 4 April 2014
- Last updated
-
328MayMarch20242025 — See all updates
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014 allows the Secretary of State to publish a list of approved:
- independent educational institutions in England
- independent special schools in Wales
- special post-16 institutions
The guide explains the process for applying to be added to the list of approved independent special institutions. It also sets out the timescales and information required to complete the application form.
Institutions must be able to provide evidence and demonstrate they meet the criteria listed within the guidance.
The 20242025 application window openedopens 2 May 2025 and closes on 313 MayJune 2024.2025.
Updates to this page
Published 4 April 2014
Last updated 328 MayMarch 2024
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Update history
2025-03-28 16:01
Updated guidance and application form for the 2025 application window.
2024-05-03 09:30
The 2024 application window is now open. We have also updated the guidance to include dates for the 2025 application window.
2023-05-05 09:00
Updated the ‘Guide for independent special institutions applying for inclusion on the Secretary of State approved list’ for the 2023 application window. Applications close on 16 June 2023.
2022-06-20 09:10
Updated to reflect that the 2022 application window is now closed.
2022-05-06 15:33
Updated guidance for the annual application window.
Details
Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014 allows the Secretary of State to publish a list of approved:
- independent educational institutions in England
- independent special schools in Wales
- special post-16 institutions
The guide explains the process for applying to be added to the list of approved independent special institutions. It also sets out the timescales and information required to complete the application form.
Institutions must be able to provide evidence and demonstrate they meet the criteria listed within the guidance.
The 20242025 application window openedopens 2 May 2025 and closes on 313 MayJune 2024.2025.
Updates to this page
Sign up for emails or print this page
Update history
2025-03-28 16:01
Updated guidance and application form for the 2025 application window.
2024-05-03 09:30
The 2024 application window is now open. We have also updated the guidance to include dates for the 2025 application window.
2023-05-05 09:00
Updated the ‘Guide for independent special institutions applying for inclusion on the Secretary of State approved list’ for the 2023 application window. Applications close on 16 June 2023.
2022-06-20 09:10
Updated to reflect that the 2022 application window is now closed.
2022-05-06 15:33
Updated guidance for the annual application window.