No place to go: Special schools’ capacity crisis revealed

By Sarah Shepperd • Published on 03/02/2025


No Place to Go: The Capacity Crisis in UK Special Schools Revealed

The United Kingdom is facing a growing crisis in its special education sector, with demand for special school places far outstripping supply. This capacity crunch is leaving many children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) without adequate support and putting immense pressure on local authorities and families alike. Let's delve into the current state of affairs and explore the challenges faced by the special education system in the UK.

The Growing Demand for Special School Places

Recent data paints a stark picture of the increasing demand for special education services across the UK:

  • In Gloucestershire, a substantial investment of £20 million has led to the creation of 540 new special school places since 2022. However, this significant expansion has still not been enough to meet the rising demand (BBC News).
  • Durham County Council has reported a "significant and growing" pressure on resources to support children with SEND. The council is expecting a budget deficit of approximately £14 million next year, despite a 7.8% increase (£7.4 million) in grant allocation for 2025/26 (BBC News).

Challenges Faced by Families and Local Authorities

The capacity crisis is having far-reaching effects on both families and local authorities:

  • In Lancashire, families are experiencing delays in school minibus services, with a fleet of around 50 vehicles ordered over a year ago still not delivered (BBC News).
  • Some local authorities are struggling to provide appropriate transportation for SEND children, with families potentially having to pay out of their own pockets for taxis under new allowance systems (BBC News).
  • Parents are often forced to fight for support, with the Department for Education (DfE) acknowledging that the inherited SEND system is "on its knees" (BBC News).

The Transition Crisis: From School to Adulthood

The challenges don't end when students leave school. In fact, for many young people with SEND, the transition to adulthood presents a whole new set of difficulties:

  • In Northern Ireland, young people with SEND face what has been described as an "abyss" when they leave school at age 19, with a significant gap in provision for further education and employment opportunities (BBC News).
  • Unlike England, which has Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs) that support young people up to the age of 25, Northern Ireland lacks a similar comprehensive support system for SEND individuals transitioning into adulthood.
  • Families report a drastic decrease in support and quality of life for their children once they leave the structured environment of special schools (BBC News).

Government Response and Future Outlook

The UK government has acknowledged the crisis and is taking steps to address it:

  • The Department for Education has announced an additional £1 billion investment for SEND services next year, along with a £740 million fund for councils to create specialist places in mainstream schools (BBC News).
  • The government has introduced a "Plan for Change" aimed at improving the SEND system and restoring confidence in families across the country (BBC News).
  • However, officials warn that it will take time for these improvements to show tangible results, and many local authorities are joining forces to lobby for further reforms and additional funding (BBC News).

Conclusion

The capacity crisis in UK special schools is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention and long-term solutions. While recent investments and plans for change offer hope, the current situation remains dire for many families and local authorities struggling to provide adequate support for children and young people with SEND. As the demand for special education continues to grow, it is crucial that the government, education sector, and communities work together to ensure that every child with special needs has access to the education and support they deserve.