Admissions

Acer Academy is a barrier-free school catering to 64 pupils aged 11–16. All pupils at Acer Academy have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) and present with needs associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.

Admissions Criteria

Children are admitted to the school following a statutory assessment of Special Educational Needs (SEN) under the Children and Families Act 2014 and a decision by the Local Authority. This process includes a consultation with the Head of School to determine that Acer Academy is an appropriate placement to meet the child’s SEN. Acer Academy is unable to accept direct requests for placements from parents, carers, or other local authorities. Admission is also subject to the availability of a place in the school.
 
To be considered for admission, the following specific criteria must be met:

• All pupils must have an EHCP.
• The child must have a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• The primary area of need must be complex ASC with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Characteristics/behaviours.
• The secondary area of need should be Communication and Interaction difficulties. The primary and secondary areas of need may be interchangeable at the schools discretion.
• Pupils should be working at or slightly below age-related expectations due to cognitive ability.

Prior to admission the following usually takes place: Where possible a member of the Inclusion team will have attended the annual review, telephone communication with the parent/carer with either the Inclusion Manager or relevant Head of Year. The child, Parent/Guardian will have visited the school and discussed the special educational provision available.