Government announces end to ‘runaway special school fees’

The government has announced new measures aimed at reducing growing costs in the independent special school sector and reinvesting funding into SEND provision in England.

Independent special school placements reportedly cost an average of £63,000 per pupil per year - more than double the £26,000 average for state special schools. Over 30% of independent special schools are backed by private equity, raising concerns about the lack of reinvestment into publicly funded resources.

Ministers have confirmed plans to introduce:

• New statutory SEND standards for independent special schools
• National price bands and full transparency of costing
• A stronger role for local authorities (LAs)

The government says the reforms are intended to help to end the “postcode lottery” in SEND support and address escalation of costs for LAs.

The AEP welcomes further indication that the SEND reform agenda continues to focus on strengthening mainstream inclusion. 

The announcement sits alongside existing commitments, including £3.7bn to create 60,000 specialist places in mainstream schools and investment in workforce training to support pupils with SEND.

Further detail is expected in the anticipated Schools White Paper, which is due to be published soon.