Enrolment in a School for Specific Purposes (SSP)

What is an SSP?

Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) are specialised public schools designed to support students with moderate to severe learning and support needs. SSPs provide tailored educational programs, personalised support, and inclusive learning environments to help students achieve their potential. They work closely with families, allied health professionals, and the wider community to address each student’s unique strengths and challenges.

SSPs offer:

• Small class sizes and highly trained staff
• Personalised learning and wellbeing programs
• Targeted support for students with intellectual, physical, sensory, or mental health disabilities, or autism
• Annual placement reviews to ensure suitability

How enrolment works

Parents and carers cannot apply directly to an SSP. Placement is arranged through an access request made by the child’s local public school.

The process includes:

1. Discussion and planning
   The family and local school meet to discuss the child’s learning and support needs. The school’s learning and support team reviews available supports.
2. Access request
   If higher levels of support are needed, the school submits an access request to the Department of Education (with parent or carer consent). This request may recommend specialist support, a support class, or SSP placement.
3. Assessment and decision
   A regional placement panel reviews the request and decides the most appropriate educational setting based on the student’s needs and eligibility.
4. Enrolment and review
   If approved, the student is placed in an SSP. If not, the student continues to receive support at their local school. Placements are reviewed annually to ensure the setting remains appropriate.

Key points for families:

• SSP enrolment is based on assessed educational need, not parent application.
• Your local school will guide and support you throughout the process.
• All students continue to receive support in their current school while the process takes place.
• Decisions aim to provide the best educational and wellbeing outcomes for each student.

Learn More

• Access Requests – NSW Department of Education

• Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs)