Back to News
More than one in five pupils in England have special educational needs, figures show
UK NewsPolitics•June 11, 2026 at 5:32 PMNational

More than one in five pupils in England have special educational needs, figures show

By Richard Adams Education editor•The Guardian - UK News

Data shows sharp rise in number of children getting extra support and highlights pressure on schools, families and councilsMore than one in five pupils in England now have special educational needs, as the latest official figures show a sharp increase in the numbers of children receiving extra support in school.The annual data from the Department for Education (DfE) confirms predictions of an increase in families seeking education, health and care plans (EHCPs) – the individual agreements detailing extra support – before the government’s efforts to overhaul funding and provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). Continue reading...

Data shows sharp rise in number of children getting extra support and highlights pressure on schools, families and councils

More than one in five pupils in England now have special educational needs, as the latest official figures show a sharp increase in the numbers of children receiving extra support in school.

The annual data from the Department for Education (DfE) confirms predictions of an increase in families seeking education, health and care plans (EHCPs) – the individual agreements detailing extra support – before the government’s efforts to overhaul funding and provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

Continue reading...

Featured Artists