Eligible providers
Any institution that wishes to operate as a Special Post-16 Institution (SPI) may be considered eligible to participate in the competition phase provided they are:
- registered on the Get Information about Schools service with a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN)
- eligible for state-funded education from the Department for Education (DfE)
- Ofsted registered with an overall Ofsted inspection judgement of 'Good' or 'Outstanding' under the common inspection framework (or similar judgements under the 2025 inspection framework: 'Expected', 'Strong' or 'Exceptional')
- able to demonstrate relevant experience in delivering education or support for learners with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with a track record or demonstrable capacity to deliver high-quality post-16 education or training
During the competition phase, applicants will also be expected to meet certain due diligence requirements. This is to ensure that the successful provider appointed by the council also meets the DfE’s due diligence requirements for new special post-16 providers.