This guidance is for proprietors and proposed proprietors of independent schools.

It applies to all independent schools, including independent:

• special schools
• residential special schools
• boarding schools

The register of independent schools on Get Information about Schools contains information about independent schools.

Independent schools must get prior approval from the Secretary of State for Education to change their registered details. Independent schools must request a material change to the following registered details:

• proprietor
• school address
• age range of pupils
• school capacity
• gender of entry
• boarding provision
• special educational needs admissions

To request a material change, email your application and relevant documentation to registration.enquiries@education.gov.uk. This is set out in ‘Independent schools: applying for a material change’.

To request a change of proprietor, complete ‘Independent schools: change of proprietor application form’ and email it to registration.enquiries@education.gov.uk. Read ‘Independent schools: change of proprietor guidance’ before completing the form.

Academies and free schools

The guidance does not apply to academies or free schools. They should read Academies: making significant changes or closure.