Finding a school or college
We help families find the right school or college place for SEND learners whether in a state or independent setting.
We cover the whole of the UK and our educational setting database is continuously updated with recommendations and reviews regarding specialist provision as well as feedback from the settings themselves about availability, waiting lists, and how parents can best access their provision.
The team covers all types of schools, colleges, and other types of settings including specialist units of mainstream schools, independent schools, and college provision.
Our placement support option covers you throughout the process for up to 12 months or we can offer you a shortlist or longlist. Find out more about these options below.
School/college placement support
In this highly personalised service, we develop a bespoke shortlist of settings based upon the individual learner’s full profile and the family’s requirements and then support the family throughout the process of seeking a place from any of the schools in the shortlist for up to 12 months.
“We moved to a new area and had no idea what to do next for schools as we did not have an EHCP. We were amazed how well things went and are so happy with the school that the Acorn to Oak Education team found us and it was fantastic to have their help all along the way.”
Parents of a neurodivergent learner
School/college shortlist service
Based upon a detailed discussion with the family and reviewing all of the reports about how the learner is best supported, we create a personalised shortlist of schools or colleges for the learner. We make sure that there are places available at each of the schools and identify which as the most able, in our view, to provide the learner with the support and educational curriculum and environment that they need to be able to reach their potential.
“The shortlist made such a huge difference to us as we were overwhelmed with the number of potential settings and could not see a way through. With the shortlist we were able to focus on the most suitable settings and make decisions.”
Parent of an autistic learner with mental health needs
School/college longlist service
Our specialist team will provide you with a long list of all educational settings that meet your search criteria and are within your search radius.
With our longlist families can then follow up directly with each setting to determine availability and suitability but have the reassurance of knowing that they are working with a complete list of relevant settings.
“This saved me so much time and I felt good knowing that no important options were missing from our list.”
Parent of a neurodivergent learner, primary age
Finding an educational setting in a hurry with transition planning
Sometimes educational settings no longer work for the child or young person or can no longer meet their needs and sometimes learners can refuse to return to school or college. We know this can be a stressful time for families.
This search includes all the elements for a shortlist or placement support package although is completed within a shorter time scale to be agreed upon and can include if desired, discussion with the existing professionals and educational setting involved to help inform how best to proceed.
Get in touch
Find out more about how we can support your needs