Independent schools: making a material change
Request a material change to an independent school (also known as a private school) registered with the Department for Education.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This guidance is for proprietors and proposed proprietors of independent schools.
It applies to all independent schools, including:
- independent special schools
- independent residential special schools
- independent boarding schools
The register of independent schools on Get Information about Schools contains information about independent schools.
Independent schools must get prior approval from the Secretary of State to change their registered details. Independent schools must request a material change to the following registered details:
- proprietor
- school address
- age range of pupils
- school capacity
- gender of entry
- boarding provision
- special educational needs admissions
To request a material change, email your application and relevant documentation to registration.enquiries@education.gov.uk. This is set out in ‘Independent schools: applying for a material change’.
To request a change of proprietor, complete ‘Independent schools: change of proprietor application form’ and email it to registration.enquiries@education.gov.uk. Read ‘Independent schools: change of proprietor guidance’ before completing the form.
Academies and free schools
The guidance does not apply to academies or free schools. They should read Academies: making significant changes or closure.
Last updated 21 November 2023 + show all updates
-
Updated 'Independent schools: applying for approval to make a material change' to reflect that it can take up to 6 months to receive approval. Added change of proprietor guidance and application form.
-
First published.