SEND Numbers Continue to Rise: What the Latest DfE Statistics Mean for Schools

The latest Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) statistics published by the Department for Education reveal that more children than ever are receiving additional support in schools across England.

The data, based on the January 2025 school census, shows continued growth in both Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and SEN Support, highlighting the increasing demand for specialist provision, early intervention and skilled SEND staff.

For school leaders, SENDCOs and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), the latest figures confirm a trend that has been building for several years: the need for SEND support continues to rise at a faster rate than overall pupil numbers.

Key SEND Statistics for England in 2025

The latest SEND statistics reveal:

• More than 1.7 million pupils in England have identified SEND.
• Nearly one in five pupils now receive SEND support.
• EHCP numbers have increased by 11.1% year-on-year.
• SEN Support numbers have risen by 3.7%.
• EHCPs have doubled since 2016.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains the most common primary need for pupils with an EHCP.

The figures highlight the growing complexity of pupil needs and the increasing pressure on schools to deliver effective support.

How Many Pupils Have SEND in England?

According to the Department for Education, 1.76 million pupils in England are identified as having special educational needs.

This represents 19.5% of all pupils, meaning almost one in every five children now requires additional support to access learning and achieve their potential.

The total number of pupils with SEND has increased by more than 93,000 compared to the previous year, continuing a steady upward trend that has been evident across the education sector for several years.

As SEND prevalence increases, schools are having to adapt staffing structures, intervention programmes and classroom practice to meet a wider range of needs.

EHCP Numbers Continue to Rise Across England

One of the most significant findings from the latest data is the continued growth in Education, Health and Care Plans.

There are now 482,640 pupils with an EHCP, accounting for 5.3% of all pupils in England.

This represents an increase of more than 48,000 pupils compared with 2024 and means EHCP numbers have doubled since 2016.

While overall pupil numbers have increased modestly over the last decade, the demand for statutory SEND support has grown at a much faster rate.

For schools, this creates ongoing challenges around:

• Accessing specialist provision
• Managing SEND funding pressures
• Recruiting experienced SEND professionals
• Meeting increasingly complex pupil needs

The Most Common Types of Special Educational Needs in Schools

The statistics also provide valuable insight into the types of needs schools are supporting.

For pupils with an EHCP, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) remains the most common primary need.

Among pupils receiving SEN Support, Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) continue to be the most frequently identified area of need.

These findings reinforce the importance of:

• Early identification of communication difficulties
• Autism-friendly learning environments
• Targeted interventions
• Ongoing SEND training for school staff

As awareness and diagnosis continue to improve, schools are increasingly supporting pupils with a broad range of additional needs within mainstream settings.

Why Are SEND Numbers Increasing?

There is no single reason behind the growth in SEND numbers, but several factors are likely contributing.

Greater awareness among parents, schools and healthcare professionals has improved identification of additional needs. Assessment pathways have also become more established, helping more children access appropriate support.

At the same time, schools are reporting increasing levels of speech and language needs, social, emotional and mental health challenges, and neurodiverse conditions such as autism.

The result is a growing number of pupils requiring additional support, specialist interventions and personalised learning approaches.

What the Latest SEND Statistics Mean for Schools and MATs

The latest SEND data presents both challenges and opportunities for schools.

As demand rises, school leaders must balance inclusive practice with increasing financial and operational pressures.

Many schools are experiencing:

• Greater demand for SEND interventions
• Increased workload for SENDCOs
• Rising EHCP administration requirements
• Challenges accessing external specialist services
• Pressure on budgets and staffing capacity

At the same time, schools continue to demonstrate remarkable commitment to inclusive education, with the majority of pupils with SEND educated successfully within mainstream settings.

SEND Recruitment Challenges Are Growing

As pupil need continues to increase, demand for experienced SEND professionals is also rising.

Schools are increasingly seeking:

• SEND Teaching Assistants
• Specialist SEND Teachers
• Learning Support Assistants
• Behaviour Support Staff
• Intervention Specialists

Recruiting and retaining skilled SEND professionals remains a challenge for many schools, particularly as demand continues to outpace supply in some areas.

Having access to high-quality staff with SEND experience is becoming an essential part of delivering effective provision and ensuring positive outcomes for pupils.

How Schools Can Strengthen SEND Provision in 2025

While the latest statistics highlight growing demand, there are several ways schools can continue to strengthen their SEND offer.

Successful schools are increasingly focusing on:

Early Intervention

Identifying needs early and implementing targeted support can improve outcomes and reduce the need for more intensive interventions later.

Staff Training and Development

Equipping teachers and support staff with SEND knowledge helps create more inclusive classrooms and improves confidence across the workforce.

Specialist Support

Access to experienced SEND practitioners enables schools to provide targeted support where it is needed most.

Inclusive Practice

Creating environments where all pupils feel supported remains fundamental to improving outcomes and wellbeing.

The Future of SEND Support in England

The latest SEND statistics make one thing clear: demand for SEND support is not slowing down.

With EHCP numbers continuing to rise and almost one in five pupils requiring additional support, schools will need ongoing investment, specialist expertise and sustainable staffing solutions to meet growing needs.

Despite the challenges, schools across England continue to deliver exceptional support for children with SEND every day.

As the education landscape evolves, ensuring schools have access to the right people, resources and expertise will be essential in helping every child thrive.

At Flourish Education, we work closely with schools across the Midlands to provide experienced teachers, teaching assistants and SEND specialists who can support pupils and strengthen SEND provision when it matters most.