Department for Children, Schools and Families

Registration of Independent Schools

With effect from 1 September 2003, the Education Act 2002 extended the definition of an independent school. In addition to any establishment which provides full-time education for five or more children of compulsory school age, it now includes any establishment which provides full-time education for one (or more) child of compulsory school age who has a statement of special educational need (SEN), or is looked after by a local authority.

If you fall into the latter category, and are also a registered children’s home, you will have received the Department's letter of 8 December 2006. You can complete the required pro forma by clicking here. 

Part 10 of the Education Act 2002 requires all independent schools to be registered with the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Applications for registration by new schools must be made before a school begins to operate and admit pupils.   Regulations made under the Education Act 2002 set out a range of standards that all independent schools in England must satisfy as a condition of registration. The regulations cover:-

These standards will be examined before an application for registration is approved and thereafter during the regular cycle of inspections that all independent schools will be required to undergo to ensure they continue to meet the standards for registration.  The 2002 Act provides for action to be taken where schools do not meet the standards.

The Department has prepared an information pack that is intended to set out for proprietors the requirements of the legislation and to help those intending to apply for registration to submit the necessary documentation.  It aims to give advice on those points most commonly raised by independent schools.  It cannot attempt to offer an authoritative statement on all matters relating to the regulation of independent schools and, given the diversity of the sector, schools may wish to request individual advice.

Download the information pack (word document 296KB)
Download the registration form (word Document 282KB)

Completed registration forms should be emailed to registration.enquiries@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk

For further information or clarification on any points raised in this pack, please contact the independent education and boarding team:
DCFS
Mowden Hall
DARLINGTON
DL3 9BG
Tel: 01325 392159
Fax: 01325 392128
E-mail: wendy.sanderson@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk


The Department has the following agreements in place between Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (which inspects schools affiliated to Independent Schools Council), and the Schools Inspection Service (which inspects schools affiliated to the Focus Learning Trust):

For further information contact the independent education and boarding team:

DCSF
Mowden Hall
DARLINGTON
DL3 9BG
Tel: 01325 392162
Fax: 01325 392128
E-mail:stephanie.lidster@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk

DCSF has approved the Bridge Schools' Inspectorate to inspect independent schools affiliated to the Christian Schools Trust and the Association of Muslim Schools. Once the Inspectorate's detailed operational arrangements are agreed, we will prepare a formal agreement.
Independent Schools Common Questions
Download the document in MS Word Format


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