The UK government has committed to creating an additional 50,000 places for children with special educational needs (SEND) in mainstream schools across England. This initiative, backed by a substantial investment of £3 billion over the next three years, will partially be funded by the cancellation of several planned free schools.
The funding will be distributed to local councils, which have emphasized the importance of directing resources to areas that best understand the needs of their communities. With nearly 1.7 million pupils currently receiving support for special educational needs, the demand for additional resources continues to rise annually.
Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, remarked that this investment will pave the way for SEND reforms anticipated in the schools White Paper, which has been postponed to early next year. Originally slated for release this autumn, the White Paper is expected to outline significant changes in the approach to special education.
The government has announced plans to cancel the establishment of 28 new mainstream free schools following a consultation process, with an additional 16 sites under review. “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,” Ms. Phillipson stated in a recent interview.
The funds from the scrapped projects will enable councils to modify existing school buildings, creating more specialized spaces. This approach aims to reduce travel burdens on students, allowing them to access education closer to home. Adaptations may include the development of designated areas for students requiring additional support, such as those with autism or ADHD.
Councillor Amanda Hopgood from the Local Government Association emphasized the necessity of situating SEND places in appropriate locations. “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,” she noted.
Local authorities spent approximately £1.5 billion on transport for under-16s with SEND during the 2023-24 financial year—over two and a half times the expenditure recorded in 2015-16. The ongoing financial strain has prompted headteachers’ unions to express cautious optimism regarding the government’s plans.
While the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) welcomed the funding, they cautioned that investment in infrastructure must be accompanied by a sufficient number of teachers and leaders trained in special education.
At Ninestiles Academy in Birmingham, nearly 50 students with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) spend approximately 70% of their time in mainstream classes, with the remainder dedicated to tailored lessons that meet their specific needs. Principal Alex Hughes acknowledged the high demand for these specialized placements but emphasized that the real impact of the investment will depend on effective implementation.
Student Brendan, 14, who attends Ninestiles, benefits from access to a comprehensive curriculum while also utilizing the resource hub for additional support. His mother, Laura Jerram, praised the pastoral care that has helped Brendan remain in school, noting that the journey to secure an EHCP was challenging. “It’s a bit of a bun fight [to get an EHCP], and the most resourced families tend to come out on top,” she explained.
Concerns regarding the existing system remain prevalent among parents. The National Audit Office (NAO) has indicated that, despite increased funding, outcomes for students with special educational needs have not improved significantly. The number of parents appealing to councils over SEND provisions reached a record high in the 2024-2025 period, with 25,000 SEND appeals filed—an increase of 18% from the previous year, primarily concerning the content of EHCPs.
The plans for the free schools that will not proceed are now subject to a consultation period. Some proposals, including those by Eton College for selective sixth-form centres in Dudley and Oldham, have received approval, while a proposal in Middlesbrough is set for cancellation.
Free schools in the UK are publicly funded but operated by private entities such as academy trusts, universities, charities, or faith groups. The government’s decision to redirect funds towards enhancing SEND provision reflects a growing recognition of the pressing need for adequate support for all students.
