Transition to secondary school: pupils with SEN

Whether you're a feeder or receiver school, understand your responsibilities when planning for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) moving from primary to secondary school. Plus, find out what you can do to help the transition go smoothly.

Last reviewed on 3 June 2025
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 10751
Contents
  1. As the feeder/primary school, what should I do?
  2. As the receiver/secondary school, what should I do?

Alongside the key ingredients for an effective transition programme for all pupils, you'll want to take some additional steps for pupils with SEN.

As the feeder/primary school, what should I do?

To support pupils with special educational needs (SEN) transitioning between phases of education, you should:

  • Share information with the school, college or other setting the pupil is moving to
  • Agree with parents/carers and pupils what information will be shared as part of this planning process

This is set out in paragraph 6.57 of the SEND Code of Practice (page 102). 

Arrange for an EHC plan review

This review and any amendments to the plan must be completed no later than 15 February in the calendar year of