London | 27 March — The UK government has announced a £740 million investment to create 10,000 new school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as part of its Plan for Change.
The funding will expand specialist units in mainstream schools, build new places in special schools, and support inclusive learning environments—such as breakout spaces and assistive technologies—so more children can thrive close to home.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the investment marks “a turning point” in improving outcomes for SEND students and tackling the national shortfall in specialist school places.
The announcement comes as data reveals an 8,000-place gap in state special schools, with demand rising steadily over the last decade.
