William Eichler 21 January 2025

Number of school children receiving SEN support surges 40%

Number of school children receiving SEN support surges 40% image
Image: Denis Kuvaev / Shutterstock.com.

The number of British school children receiving support for special educational needs (SEN) has surged by 40% since 2016-2017, a new study has revealed.

The increase surpasses growth rates in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, according to researchers at the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASIE).

In 2021-2022, over 560,000 children received SEN support, with Scotland contributing disproportionately to the rise.

A recent report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) found that half of all councils in England are in danger of effective bankruptcy due in part to SEN pressures.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
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