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Guidance

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.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
4 April 2014
Last updated:
1 April 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated 'Guide for independent special institutions applying for inclusion on the Secretary of State approved list' dates for 2026.

  2. Updated guidance and application form for the 2025 application window.

  3. The 2024 application window is now open. We have also updated the guidance to include dates for the 2025 application window.

  4. Removed the link to the online application form from the details section of the page as the 2023 application window is now closed.

  5. 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.

  6. Updated to reflect that the 2022 application window is now closed.

  7. Updated guidance for the annual application window.

  8. Updated page to reflect the 2021 application window is now closed.

  9. Updated guidance and application form for the 2021 application window.

  10. Page updated to reflect application window is closed.

  11. Updated guidance and application form for the 2020 application window.

  12. Page updated to reflect that the 2019 application window is now closed.

  13. Annual secretary of state approved list guidance reviewed and updated for 2019.

  14. Guidance updated for new application window opening.

  15. Updated guidance has been added.

  16. Public change note : Policy and process guide made into one guide

  17. Updated guidance added

  18. Updated documents for Spring application round

  19. Updated EFA and DfE autumn term processes and an application form added.

  20. Updated application guide

  21. Added the guide to support completion of the application form for inclusion on the Secretary of State approved list

  22. First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Guide for independent special institutions applying for inclusion on the Secretary of State approved list

HTML

Details

Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014 allows the Secretary of State for Education 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 2026 application window opens on 1 May 2026 and closes on 12 June 2026.

Apply to join the approved list.

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