High Needs Place Change Request Outcomes 2026 to 2027: What You Need to Do Now

The high needs place change request outcomes for the 2026 to 2027 academic year have now been published. These outcomes will determine the place numbers that will be funded for the upcoming academic year, so it is essential that providers and local authorities review the information carefully and act promptly if required.

This blog outlines what has been published, what it means for your organisation, and the action you must take before the enquiry window closes.

What Has Been Published?

The published outcomes reflect the place change requests submitted by local authorities as part of the high needs place change process for 2026 to 2027.

These outcomes will directly inform the place numbers used to calculate funding allocations for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

If your organisation submitted, or expected to have submitted, a place change request through your local authority, the published data should now reflect those agreed changes.

Important: Check Your Place Numbers Immediately

All providers are strongly advised to review the published outcomes as soon as possible to ensure:

• The correct place numbers are shown

• Agreed increases or reductions are reflected

• No unexpected changes have been applied

If your organisation is not listed, this means that no change notification was submitted by your local authority. In this case, your 2025 to 2026 published place numbers will automatically be used as the basis for your 2026 to 2027 allocation.

It is therefore critical to verify that the published figures match your expectations.

Deadline to Raise Queries

If you identify discrepancies or believe the published outcomes do not reflect agreed changes, you must act quickly.

The enquiry window closes on:

Friday 27 February 2026

After this date, changes are unlikely to be actioned.

Delays in raising queries could result in incorrect place numbers forming the basis of your funding allocation for the entire academic year. Given the financial impact this may have, early review and prompt communication are essential.

Where to Find the Information

The outcomes data and full guidance on the enquiry process are available within the:

High needs place change process: 2026 to 2027 academic year

section of the:

High needs funding arrangements: 2026 to 2027 webpage.

This page includes:

• The published outcomes data

• Guidance on how to review the information

• Details on how to submit an enquiry within the permitted window

• Further information about the place change process

Make sure you are accessing the correct academic year documentation when reviewing the data.

Why This Matters

High needs place funding forms a critical part of financial planning for:

• Special schools

• AP providers

• FE institutions

• Academies

• Maintained schools with high needs provision

Incorrect place numbers can impact:

• Budget forecasting

• Staffing decisions

• Resource allocation

• Strategic planning for SEND provision

Ensuring accuracy now reduces the risk of funding pressures later in the year.

Key Actions Checklist

To ensure your organisation is fully prepared:

✔ Review the published 2026 to 2027 high needs place outcomes

✔ Confirm that place numbers match agreed submissions

✔ Check that your organisation is listed (if a change was expected)

✔ Raise any discrepancies before Friday 27 February 2026

✔ Retain confirmation of any enquiries submitted

Final Reminder

The enquiry window is time-limited. Once it closes, amendments are unlikely to be considered.

Taking a few minutes now to verify your organisation’s data could prevent significant funding complications in the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

If you are responsible for high needs funding, ensure this update is shared with relevant colleagues in finance, SEND leadership, and senior management teams so that any issues can be identified and escalated promptly.