Admissions

Helping your young person access the right support

At Simply Great Education, we provide specialist digital technology education for young people who may not be thriving in mainstream settings.

We work with students who need a different kind of learning environment. Most of our learners have EHCPs, accessing Post-16 provision, are on EOTAS packages, or are being supported by schools, colleges or alternative provisions.

SGE is part of the local authority frameworks of both Devon County Council and Torbay Council for Post-16 and EOTAS placements. We are also commissioned directly by schools, colleges and other alternative provisions.

This page explains the different routes into SGE and what parents and carers can do next.

Is SGE Right for Your Young Person?

SGE may be suitable for young people who:

Are interested in computers, games, coding, cyber security, creative digital work or technology
Need a smaller and more supportive environment
Have struggled in mainstream education
Benefit from practical, project-based learning
Need support with confidence, anxiety, communication or independence
Are working towards Post-16 progression, qualifications, certifications or employment pathways

Route 1:
Local Authority Commissioned Placements

Post-16 EOTAC placements through Devon or Torbay Frameworks

Many young people join SGE through a Local Authority-commissioned placement.

This usually applies when a young person:

Has an EHCP
Is aged 16+
Needs a specialist or alternative education package
Is being considered for EOTAC or is moving to Post 16 from an EOTAS placement or specialist school
Requires a digital, vocational or technology-focused pathway
Needs a smaller, supportive learning environment

If your young person has an EHCP, the first step is usually to speak with your SEND Case Officer or Local Authority representative. If your young person has an upcoming EHCP Review, this is a good time to request or provision. You can ask them to consider Simply Great Education as a possible placement or education provider, as a parental preference.

Route 2:
School or Alternative Provision Referrals

Commissioned directly by schools, colleges or APs

Some students access SGE through their current school, college or alternative provision.

This may be suitable where a young person:

Needs additional support alongside their current setting
Is struggling to attend or engage in mainstream education
Would benefit from a vocational digital pathway
Needs a short-term or longer-term alternative provision package
Requires support with confidence, motivation, routine or progression

In these cases, the school or provider usually makes the referral and commissions the placement directly.

Route 3:
Parent and Carer Enquiries

Not sure where to start?

Parents and carers are welcome to contact us directly.

Even if you are not sure which route applies, we can help you understand the likely next steps.

We can talk through:

Whether SGE may be suitable
Which referral route may apply
What information is usually needed
Whether the Local Authority, school or another professional should be involved
What our current capacity looks like

Please note that most placements are commissioned by a Local Authority, school, college or alternative provision. However, a direct conversation with us can still be a helpful first step.

What Happens Next?

1. Initial Enquiry

A parent, carer, Local Authority, school or professional contacts SGE to discuss a potential placement.

2. Information Sharing

We may request relevant information such as:

EHCP
Current education package
Recent reports
Attendance information
Safeguarding or risk information
Learning needs
Social, emotional and mental health needs
Interests, strengths and aspirations

3. Suitability Discussion

We consider whether SGE can meet the young person’s needs and whether our digital technology curriculum is a good fit.

4. Visit or Meeting

We will arrange a visit, meeting or conversation with the young person, family and/or professionals.

5. Commissioning and Agreement

If SGE is suitable, the commissioning body will confirm the placement, funding and start arrangements.

6. Induction

We carefully support the young person into SGE, helping them build confidence, understand expectations, and begin their learning journey.

Speak to Us

If you are a parent or carer and would like to discuss whether SGE could be right for your young person, please contact us.

We will help you understand the most appropriate route and what needs to happen next.