The large rises cover both children identified as requiring SEN support as well as those with more intensive needs who qualify for an education, health and care plan (EHCP).
There is a wealth of data on SEND activity published by the Department for Education. Its latest figures shows there were 1.7 million children in schools with SEND in 2024, representing 18.4% of all pupils compared to 14.4% in 2016.
The number of pupils with an EHCP increased by 11.6% in the last year, and by a total of 83% since 2016. The proportion of all pupils in schools with an EHCP increased to 4.8% in 2024, continuing a trend of increases since 2017 when the rate was 2.8%. Pupils with an EHCP now make up 26% of all pupils with SEND. The proportion of pupils in schools who receive SEN support has increased to 13.6%. The number of pupils on SEN support has increased by 25% since 2016.
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