Placing requests and additional support needs in Scotland

What can be requested

Scottish guidance says a parent can request a different school in the home education authority, a school managed by another authority, or in some circumstances an independent or grant-aided special school. The receiving school and legal criteria matter.

Who has the right

Parents and young people can have placing-request rights. Eligible children aged 12–15 do not have an independent right to make a placing request, although their views and other rights remain important.

Before making the request

1. Write down why the requested placement is suitable for the child’s needs.
2. Gather current support plans, assessments and school evidence.
3. Check whether the school can meet the required support and whether it is willing/able to admit where relevant.
4. Ask the authority to explain the decision route and any appeal rights in writing.

If the request is refused

Do not assume every placing-request refusal follows the same appeal path. Some matters, including particular requests involving special schools or a CSP, may be within the First-tier Tribunal’s Additional Support Needs jurisdiction; other placing requests may follow an education appeal committee route. Use the decision letter and current official guidance to identify the correct route and deadline.