All pupils who attend Lonsdale School have an Education Health Care Plan.

The overriding admission criteria at Lonsdale is that a child has a physical or neurological disability as the main presenting need. They may also have a range of other associated needs including sensory impairments, an additional neurological impairment, difficulties with communication and complex health needs which require regular or continuous medical intervention.

Securing a place at Lonsdale is subject to a child having an EHCP and that the plan objectives can be met by the specialist provision on offer at Lonsdale. It is the local authority, Hertfordshire County Council, who determines the type of special provision that is appropriate for a child, with parental views taken into consideration under the new SEN code of Practice 2015.