Nine in 10 school and trust leaders believe the Government's proposed special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms will add to their workload, according to new research.
Law firm Browne Jacobson's spring 2026 School Leaders Survey found 76% of respondents expect a significant workload increase under proposals published in the Department for Education's schools white paper, Every child achieving and thriving, which would largely shift responsibility for SEND provision from local authorities to schools. Thirteen percent believe there will be a slight increase.
Funding concerns are widespread, with 68% of leaders doubting the Government's combined £11bn commitment for SEND support will be sufficient, and only 3% believing it is enough to deliver the reforms in practice.
Opinion on the changes is divided. Of the 130 leaders representing more than 1,000 schools that responded to the survey, 54% hold some or serious concerns, while 25% are broadly supportive.
Philip Wood, Partner at Browne Jacobson, said leaders were ‘prepared’ to take on a greater role but needed adequate Government funding to make it work.
Separately, just 4% of respondents believe the Government's ambition for every school to join a trust is highly achievable, with governing boards' reluctance to cede autonomy and concerns over loss of school identity cited as the biggest barriers.
