Pupils with Send plans in England likely to double to one in 10 in rush for support

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Published: 2026-09-06T16:16:45.137Z • Permanent link

In a shocking turn of events, the UK's education system is bracing itself for a potential overhaul of special education provisions, with the number of pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) applications set to double to one in ten. The surge in EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) applications has left schools and councils scrambling to cope with the increased demand. According to data from the Department for Education, the number of EHCP applications rose by 25% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a total of 454,000 applications submitted. The Ministry of Education is now under pressure to address the growing concerns about the provision of SEND services, with some schools warning that they are on the brink of crisis.

The government has responded by announcing a review of the SEND system, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The review is being led by a team of experts, including education minister, Michelle Donelan, who has stated that the current system is "not working" and that a fundamental shift is needed to ensure that all pupils with SEND receive the support they need. The review is expected to include a range of recommendations, including changes to the way EHCPs are assessed and the provision of additional funding for schools and councils. One potential blueprint for reform is the Essex model, which has been hailed as a "powerful example" of how to provide high-quality SEND services.

Minister Donelan has been visiting schools in Essex to learn more about the SEND provision in the county and has stated that she is "very impressed" with what she has seen. The Essex model has been praised for its focus on prevention and early intervention, with a range of strategies being used to support pupils with SEND from an early age. The model has also been credited with improving outcomes for pupils with SEND, with a significant increase in the number of pupils accessing higher education and employment. The Ministry of Education is now considering how to roll out the Essex model across the country, but experts are warning that it will require significant investment and reform of the existing SEND system.

The surge in EHCP applications is not just a reflection of the growing number of pupils with SEND, but also a sign of the broader challenges facing the education system. The increasing demand for SEND services is putting pressure on schools and councils, which are already struggling to cope with other demands such as funding cuts and staff shortages. This is having a knock-on effect on the quality of education and support for pupils with SEND, with many schools warning that they are unable to provide the level of support that is required.

The impact of the SEND system on the wider education sector is also significant. Research has shown that pupils with SEND are more likely to experience bullying and social exclusion, which can have a profound impact on their mental health and wellbeing. The SEND system is also a major driver of inequality, with some schools and councils being better equipped to provide SEND services than others. This can lead to a widening of the gap between pupils with SEND and their peers, which can have long-term consequences for their educational outcomes and future prospects.

The surge in EHCP applications is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of changes in the SEND system. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of pupils with SEND being denied access to mainstream education, leading to widespread criticism of the system. The government has responded to these concerns by announcing a range of reforms, including the introduction of the SEND Code of Practice and the creation of a new SEND Tribunal. However, these reforms have been criticized for being insufficient, with many experts arguing that they do not go far enough to address the underlying issues with the SEND system.