The UK government has announced a significant investment of £3 billion to create 50,000 additional places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools across England. This funding, which is expected to be disbursed over the next three years, will partially come from the cancellation of some previously planned free schools.
Councils will be the primary recipients of this funding, with officials emphasizing the necessity of directing resources to areas and individuals who understand local community needs. Currently, nearly 1.7 million pupils in England receive support for special educational needs, and this number continues to increase each year. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that the investment is foundational for upcoming SEND reforms outlined in the schools White Paper, which has been delayed and is now expected to be released early next year.
Cancellation of New Free Schools
The government plans to cancel the construction of 28 new mainstream free schools following a recent consultation, with a review underway for an additional 16 sites. Phillipson explained the rationale behind this decision, saying, “We have made the decision not to go ahead with some schools where we’ve seen falling rolls because of pupil numbers and investing that money into provision for children with SEND.” This shift aims to ensure that children receive education closer to home, reducing the need for long commutes.
Local authorities will have the flexibility to repurpose funds from these canceled projects to modify existing school buildings and create specialist spaces tailored to the needs of SEND pupils. Potential developments include breakout areas for those requiring additional support or rooms designed for students with autism or ADHD, who may find traditional classrooms overstimulating. There are also plans for 77 special free schools, which local authorities can opt to establish or utilize the funding to create equivalent specialist spaces elsewhere.
The Local Government Association, represented by Councillor Amanda Hopgood, has stressed the importance of strategically locating SEND provisions. Hopgood remarked, “If we build a big school in the middle of nowhere that we have to transport everyone to, then that’s money that isn’t used on education. And those children are not being educated in their local communities where they live with their friends.”
Investment and Challenges Ahead
In the financial year 2023-2024, local authorities reportedly spent £1.5 billion on transportation for SEND students under 16, which is approximately two-and-a-half times the expenditure recorded in 2015-2016. While headteachers’ unions have welcomed the government’s plans, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) cautioned that investing in infrastructure is only one component of the necessary support framework. The organization highlighted the need for sufficient teachers and leaders equipped with specialized training to effectively cater to these students.
At Ninestiles Academy in Birmingham, nearly 50 students with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) spend around 70% of their time in mainstream classes, supplemented by tailored lessons designed to meet individual needs. Principal Alex Hughes noted that while demand for these specialized places remains high, the actual impact of the new funding will depend on its implementation at the school level.
Brendan Jerram, a 14-year-old student at Ninestiles, benefits from a full curriculum alongside access to a resource hub where he receives additional support from trained teachers. His mother, Laura Jerram, expressed optimism about the support Brendan has received: “He has the best of both worlds.” However, she reflected on the challenges faced during Brendan’s educational journey, noting that accessing an EHCP was a “horrible journey.” She stated, “It’s a bit of a bun fight [to get an EHCP], and the most resourced families tend to come out on top, unfortunately.”
Despite the government’s increased investment in SEND provisions, many parents remain frustrated with the current system. The National Audit Office has indicated that, despite the injection of funds, outcomes for SEND students have not significantly improved. In the 2024-2025 period, the number of parents appealing council decisions regarding SEND provisions reached a record high, with 25,000 appeals filed—an 18% increase from the previous year. Most disputes centered around the content of EHCPs.
The canceled free schools are now set to enter a consultation phase. While plans from Eton College to establish selective sixth-form centres in Dudley and Oldham have been approved, its proposal for Middlesbrough is slated for cancellation. Free schools in England are publicly funded yet operated by various entities, including academy trusts, universities, charities, and faith groups.
This substantial commitment from the government aims to enhance educational opportunities for SEND students, but stakeholders remain vigilant about the detailed outcomes of these initiatives and their real-world implications for schools and families alike.
