Admissions

At the William Henry Smith Specialist College, we take a thoughtful, supportive and personalised approach to admissions. Our priority is to ensure that every placement is carefully considered and that each learner can access the right environment, support and opportunities to thrive.

Lady looking at something with a student in her hand

Specialist College

Specialist Support for Learners with SEMH Needs (Ages 16–25)

The William Henry Smith Specialist College provides specialist education, care and support for young adults aged 16 to 25 with social, emotional and mental health needs.

We welcome young adults who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that identifies SEMH as a primary area of need. In some circumstances, we may also consider admissions where the EHCP process is underway.

We offer day placements, with a strong focus on carefully supported transitions. Our admissions process is thorough and personalised, and may include visits to the learner's current college, meetings with families at home, and close liaison with professionals involved in the young person’s care and education.

Many of our young adults also have additional or complex needs, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Conditions and specific learning differences. Our experienced teams work together to provide the right environment, relationships and support to help each young person feel safe, understood and able to thrive.

Our admissions process

Consultation Process

Once we have received a referral from the Local Authority, we will begin the consultation process.

This process helps us to carefully consider whether the placement is the right fit for everyone involved. We take time to understand the young adult's individual needs and consider whether the specialist college can provide the right support, environment and opportunities for them to thrive.

We recognise that many young adults referred to the specialist college may have already experienced significant time away from education. With this in mind, we aim to support their engagement as soon as is practically possible, where this is in their best interests.

College Visit

The young adult and their family will be invited to visit the specialist college, meet key members of staff and look around our provision. This gives them the opportunity to get a feel for the environment, ask questions and begin to consider whether the specialist college feels right for them.

Following the visit, a meeting will usually take place in the home setting. This provides time to reflect on the visit, discuss any questions or concerns, and gather further information to support the consultation process.

From the outset, our Admissions Support Lead and Family Team are at the heart of the process, working closely with the young adult and their family to help them feel informed, supported and reassured.

Review & Assessment

Following the visit and home meeting, our Head of Commissioning will review all information gathered throughout the consultation process.

This review helps us to carefully assess whether we can meet the young adult's unique needs and whether our provision is the right setting for them.

Throughout the process, our Admissions Support Lead and Family Team remain closely involved, building a supportive relationship with the family and ensuring they feel guided and informed at each stage.

Transition Planning

We work closely with the young person, their family and the Local Authority to support a smooth and positive transition into the specialist college.

As part of this planning, we carefully consider practical arrangements, including travel distance, to ensure the transition is manageable and in the young adult's best interests.

Offer & Agreement

When a place is offered at the William Henry Smith Specialist College, parents or carers will be asked to sign an Admissions Agreement.

This agreement outlines our key policies, practices and expectations, helping to ensure that everyone has a clear and shared understanding before the placement begins.

Specialist College

Extra information

Fees

Fees are paid by the referring Local Authority in line with the National Contract for student placements.

The placement fee is fully inclusive of our integrated model of education, care and therapy, alongside meals on site and residential holidays. Provision is shaped around each young person’s needs, supporting engagement, regulation, therapeutic intervention and meaningful progress.

With services often commissioned separately elsewhere included within the fee, our provision represents strong value for money while supporting positive outcomes for young people with complex SEND, including developmental trauma and neurodevelopmental needs.

Transport

Transport to and from the College is arranged by the Local Authority.

During the college day, we also have Foundation vehicles available to support learners in accessing off-site learning opportunities, educational visits and key working sessions.

Parents/Carers

Admissions are made through the Local Authority’s Placements Team, in consultation with our Head of Commissioning.

All young adults admitted to the Foundation will have undergone a statutory assessment and will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

As a parent or carer, you have the right to express a preference through your Local Authority’s Local Offer for the school or provision you feel is most suitable for your child or young person.

If you feel the Foundation may be able to meet your young adult's needs, or you would like to find out more about our provision, please contact us using the form below.

Admissions

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