Special educational needs (SEN) in 2025: what schools need to know
In December 2024, the government announced plans to create new specialist places in mainstream schools. This reflects a growing trend to integrate SEN pupils into inclusive educational environments. As schools strive to meet diverse pupil needs, understanding and the latest developments in SEN provision are more crucial than ever.
Increased need for specialised SEN provision
Today there is a soaring demand for support for pupils with SEN. A pupil has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability, which means they need special educational provision beyond that required by most of their peers.
Rise in pupils with SEN across England
Over 1.6 million pupils in England have SEN, an increase of 101,000 from 2023. Most of this increase relates to autistic spectrum disorders; speech, language, and communication needs; and social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD).
The rise in pupils with EHC plans
Since the Children and Families Act 2014, schools have identified a significant increase in pupils with SEN, particularly those with education, health, and care (EHC) plans. Between 2015 and 2024 there was a 140% increase (to 576,000) in pupils with an EHC plan.
Addressing the gap
In 2024, only 20% of SEND pupils met the expected reading, writing, and maths standards at Key Stage 2 level. Without the right support, pupils are falling behind their peers. There are several reasons why SEN pupils may fall behind in mainstream schools in the UK:
Insufficient training
Teachers and support staff may lack training to address SEN learner needs, particularly for neurodiverse conditions like autism or ADHD.
Limited resources
Schools often face budget constraints which lead to inadequate support materials, reduced staffing, or insufficient access to specialist support.
Overcrowded classrooms
High pupil-to-teacher ratios can make it difficult for teachers to provide individualised attention.
Delays in identifying needs
Some pupils are undiagnosed or on long waiting lists for a diagnosis. This delays access to tailored support, such as education, health, and care (EHC) plans.
Lack of inclusive teaching strategies
Mainstream curriculums, exams, and teaching methods may not be flexible enough to accommodate unique learning styles or sensory needs.
Supporting SEN students in mainstream education
The government has made it clear that SEN reform is towards establishing a mainstream school environment that is more inclusive of students who need specialist provision, including in SEN units and resourced provision (RP).
Mainstream education inclusion challenges
Supporting SEN pupils presents unique challenges that need thoughtful strategies and resources. Key inclusion challenges include:
A variation in student needs, from physical disabilities to neurodiverse conditions such as autism and ADHD.
Difficulty adopting a one-size-fits-all approach due to the differing severity and type of support needed.
Insufficient staff training to address the complexities of SEN.
Why inclusive education works for SEN students
Mainstream schools provide SEN pupils with opportunities to learn alongside their peers. With 1.6 million pupils in England identified as having SEN, inclusive education promotes equality. It prepares all students for diverse workplaces. Tailored support, such as tutors, specialist teaching assistants, and SEN support staff, can help meet individual needs.
Adapting to evolving SEN needs in 2025
In 2025, schools will face evolving challenges in supporting SEN students. Key focus areas will include new government policies, implementing inclusive teaching strategies, and using technology to enhance accessibility.
High-needs funding under pressure: what schools need to know
Reform in SEN funding and provision has been a growing concern. A recent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) report highlights that spending on SEN is becoming unsustainable due to the rise in high-needs. The Department for Education (DfE) has released a High Needs Funding: 2025 to 2026 Operational Guide to address these challenges. It outlines how the high-needs funding system will operate locally and across educational settings.
New SEN funding
Major reforms to the special educational needs system are initiated with a £740 million investment to create more specialist places in mainstream schools. This funding can be used to adapt classrooms and create specialist facilities within mainstream schools to deliver more intensive support adapted to pupils’ needs. The funding announced in December is part of a £6.7 billion settlement for education announced at the Autumn Budget. Allocations will be confirmed in Spring 2025.
Implications for schools
The latest SEN funding changes, particularly the High Needs Funding Operational Guide for 2025-2026, bring a range of implications for schools.
Increased funding allocation
Schools will receive extra funding to support pupils with high needs. This will help reduce the financial pressures they face when meeting the SEN pupil needs.
More flexibility in resource allocation
The new funding model aims to give schools more flexibility in spending resources. They can tailor provisions to suit the needs of individual pupils, from extra teaching assistants to specialist tech.
Improved transparency and accountability
The government will provide clearer guidance to schools on distributing and using funding. This aims to improve transparency and accountability in managing SEN resources. It helps schools spend funds to meet student needs.
Making the most of new SEN funding changes
Funding changes address the increasing demand for SEN provision. Their success will depend on how schools implement the funding and use it to create more inclusive environments for SEN learners.
Looking for specialist SEN teachers, teaching assistants, or tutors in 2025? At Holden Knight Education, we help schools in supporting SEN pupils. Let us help you find experienced professionals who make a real difference. Contact us to discuss your SEN recruitment needs.