Rulebook · What a local authority letter includes

If a mainstream place was wanted: how the mainstream rule in section 33 was considered

If a mainstream place was wanted: how the mainstream rule in section 33 was considered. Where the council does not name the school or college requested, the Act says the plan must provide for a mainstream school or college, unless that is against the wishes of the parent or young person, or incompatible with providing efficient education for others.

For a particular school or college, the council can rely on the effect on others only if it shows there are no reasonable steps that it, or the governing body, proprietor or principal, could take to prevent it. For mainstream schools and colleges in its area as a whole, it must show there are no reasonable steps it could take. Not required by law: good practice.

Part of the letter: Refusal to name the school or college requested.

Type of rule

Good practiceGood practice: helpful, not required by law.

Rule id

notice.refusal_of_requested_school.mainstream_considered

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

• Children and Families Act 2014, s 33(2)Law (Act or Regulations)
• Children and Families Act 2014, s 33(4)Law (Act or Regulations)
• Children and Families Act 2014, s 33(3)Law (Act or Regulations)
• Children and Families Act 2014, s 39(5)Law (Act or Regulations)

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