William Eichler 07 January 2026

Need for SEND support in London hits record levels

Need for SEND support in London hits record levels image
© Halfpoint / Shutterstock.com.

The number of children in London requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support has reached record levels, new analysis reveals.

Research by BBC London has found the number has jumped by nearly a third over the last 10 years – from 205,309 in 2015-16 to 267,368 in 2024-25.

According to the analysis of Department for Education (DfE) figures the number of children with autistic spectrum disorder in the capital has increased by 158% from 17,832 in 2015-16 to 46,095 in 2024-2025.

Check out this analysis of the SEND system by Darcey Snape from the think tank Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Domestic Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Domestic AssistantPermanent, Part Time£27,516 per annum, Full Time Equivalent including additional allowanceLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Digital Content Designer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£40,260 to £54,507 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Intensive Fostering Support Practitioner.

Essex County Council
£33049.00 - £37698.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Intensive Fostering Support Practitioner.Permanent, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 Per Annum. Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Intensive Fostering Support Practitioner.

Essex County Council
£33049.00 - £37698.00 per annum + +26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Intensive Fostering Support Practitioner.Permanent, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 Per Annum. Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Leader - Tenancy Sustainment

Durham County Council
Grade 12 £45,529 - £49,817
Join our Housing Assets and Investment team as a Team Leader - Tenancy Sustainment and play a key role in helping residents maintain successful tenanc Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner