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.

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Early Help Consultant

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 - £47,181 per annum, pro rata
Are you ready to influence change and improve outcomes for children and their families? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Educational Psychologist

North Yorkshire Council
£49,215 to £59,809 per annum pro rata
Are you an EP who is interested in making real change for children, young people and families at individual and systems level? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Leaving Care Case Worker - Refugee & Asylum-Seeking Team

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 to £38,220 per annum
We are proud to be an Outstanding Leaving Care Team and Local Authority North Yorkshire / various
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Newly Qualified Social Worker - ASYE Programme (Sep / Oct 2026)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£42,000 per annum plus £2,000 salary increase on
Newly Qualified Social Workers£42,... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner