Questions about the school closure consultation

When might my child’s school close?

The proposal is for the school to close at the end of the summer term, July 2024. A decision on this has not been made. 

Brighton & Hove City Council is currently consulting on the proposal and encouraging people to make a response. Information is given below on how you can share your views.

Why have you chosen my child’s school as one to close?

The 2 schools being proposed for closure:

  • have low numbers of pupils attending the schools
  • have more places than children living in those areas of the city
  • currently have budget deficits and no agreed plan to balance the school’s finances in the next few years

How do I move my child to another school during the academic year?

If you would like your child to move schools now or during this academic year you can make a school application at any time throughout the year for your child to change schools.

Your application will be looked at and a school place will be allocated as soon as possible after it's received, so only apply at the time you would like your child to change schools.

We'll aim to give you a decision as quickly as possible. You should allow up to 15 school days to receive your school offer. 

Find out more about transferring schools outside the normal point of entry (in-year applications).

How do I move my child to another school in September 2024?

If you want your child to stay at their current school until July and then start a new school in September make a school application at the end of March 2024 expressing preferences for up to 3 schools. Your application will be considered over the Easter holidays.

A new school place will be allocated in the first few weeks of the summer term ready for your child to take it up in September.

Can my child go to their new school with their friend(s) from their current school?

We understand you may want your child to go to a new school with friends from their current school. No additional priority can be given to applications from friends, but we'll always try and offer you your preferred school.

If your child’s friends apply for the same schools, every effort will be made to allocate the schools requested but this will depend upon the available space.

I have siblings at the school, can they go to their new school together?

Brighton & Hove City Council will always be able to allocate siblings a place at a school together. However, this might not be at your preferred school if that school hasn’t got space in your children’s year groups.

English isn’t my first language, how can I get help to understand the proposals?

Our ethnic minority achievement service (EMAS) supports early years and school-age children and families with English as an Additional Language. Let your child’s school know if you think you need help from that service.

Alternatively, you can contact the School Admissions team for help:

  • phone 01273 293 653 between 9:30am and 1:30pm

My child has additional needs, how will this be taken into account?  

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Brighton & Hove Inclusion Support Service (BHISS) works with schools to support children who need extra help to learn.

If your child has additional needs that are not already known about contact your child’s school. If your child is already being supported, that support will continue.

My child is worried about the proposed closure, can I get help for them? 

Talk to your child’s school about your worries. They may be able to access support via the Schools Wellbeing Service which offers support to children in all primary schools in Brighton and Hove.

Talk to your SENCO about referring to us. As we work across schools, this work can continue from one school to another if your child moves.

Questions and answers for children with EHC plans

How can my child change school?

An annual review of your child’s EHC plan will need to take place and at the annual review meeting school placement will be discussed. 

You can ask for a change in placement and name a new school preference or a few schools that you would like the Local Authority to consider.

Your allocated SEN Caseworker will update the EHC plan and consult with your school preferences.

How long will it take?

The annual review meeting is usually held annually at the same time each year, however, a review meeting can be called at any time if requested for a good reason. 

The school will inform you of the date and invite you to attend.

Once the meeting has taken place the school has 10 days to send the report to the Local Authority.

The SEN Caseworker has 4 weeks to update the plan and they will send you a draft amended EHC plan.  They will send a copy of the draft amended EHC plan to your school preferences with a letter. The school has 15 calendar days to reply. 

The Local Authority will then consider the response and make a decision. Your SEN Casework Officer will keep you informed.

The process can take up to 8 weeks.

Who can help me with changing schools?

Your allocated SEN Casework Officer can help you with changing schools.

To contact the SEN team send an email to SEN.Team@brighton-hove.gov.uk, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

There's also independent advice available through the Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) provided through AMAZE. To contact them:

They are open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm.