2026–27 High Needs Place Change – Final Reminder

The DfE has issued a reminder that the High Needs Place Change Process for the 2026–2027 academic year closes on Friday 5 December 2025.

For many schools and census users, the place-change process can feel complex, especially if you don’t work with funding allocations day-to-day. In simple terms, this process allows schools, colleges and local authorities to request adjustments to the number of funded high needs places for the coming year.

Why this matters

If no change request is made, then in most cases the 2025–2026 place numbers will automatically roll forward and be used to determine the 2026–27 allocation. This could mean missed funding if your high needs numbers are expected to rise.

What you should review

The DfE has made the following resources available to support discussions and planning:

• High Needs Place Change Guidance

• Spring 2025 census data for special academies and free schools

• Place numbers for 2024–25 and 2025–26

These documents help you evidence your current and projected demand, and prepare for commissioning conversations with your local authority.

Who needs to act

Schools, colleges, and particularly teams completing the census or overseeing sixth-form operations, should be aware that local authorities are responsible for submitting any changes — but they rely on accurate, timely information from providers.

Pro16plus Ltd encourages all providers to ensure that their data and local discussions are up-to-date well before the deadline.

🎯 Action Required – Sixth-Form Leadership

Sixth-form leaders should urgently:

1. Review your high-needs cohort for 2025–26 and projected numbers for 2026–27.

2. Check your census data is accurate and consistent with your SEN demand.

3. Contact your local authority immediately if you believe any change is required to your high-needs place numbers.

4. Document evidence (census data, EHCP trends, admission pressures) to support a place-change request.

5. Confirm with the LA that any required place-change submissions will be made before 5 December 2025.