Number of children getting special educational needs support hits another record high (opens original article in a new tab)

The number of children receiving special educational needs support in the UK has reached a record high, with a 12.5% increase in EHCPs in the past year. The government is implementing reforms to make mainstream schools more inclusive, but some concerns remain about the transition and support quality.

• The number of children with EHCPs increased by 12.5% between January 2025 and January 2026, reaching over 700,000.
• Over 110,000 new EHCPs were issued in 2025, with 15% more children with EHCPs in mainstream schools compared to last year.
• The government plans to replace EHCPs with individual support plans by 2030, focusing on mainstream school inclusion.