A stark new poll has exposed a deepening financial crisis in England's education system, with schools being forced to cut back on vital support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). This comes at a time when the government is pushing for greater inclusivity in mainstream schools.
Widespread Cuts to Teaching Assistants
The survey, conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research on behalf of the Sutton Trust, found that more than 70% of school leaders have reduced teaching assistant numbers in the past year. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting Send children in mainstream education, making these cuts particularly damaging.
Additionally, 49% of schools have slashed support staff, and 81% warn of further reductions in the coming year. The crisis is described as "more than a decade in the making" by experts, highlighting long-term underfunding issues.
Primary Schools Hit Hardest
Send cuts are especially severe in primary schools, where 45% of leaders report reductions compared to 25% at secondary level. This disparity raises concerns about early intervention and support for young children with special needs.
Beyond Send support, schools are making cuts across the board. Nearly half have reduced IT equipment, 47% have cut trips and outings, and 32% have slashed sports and extracurricular activities. Three in ten secondary schools have even narrowed subject choices for GCSEs and A-levels.
Government Reforms Versus Financial Reality
The Sutton Trust's findings emerge as the government seeks to overhaul the Send system with plans to enhance inclusivity. However, education leaders argue that funding shortages make these ambitions unattainable.
Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, stated: "This research shows the contradiction between the government's aspirations and the funding provided. Many schools are cutting Send support just as reforms impose greater expectations on them."
Despite a government announcement of a £4.7bn cash-terms increase by the end of the spending review period, this must cover expanded free school meals and teacher pay rises, leaving little for Send reforms.
Pupil Premium Inadequacy
Ahead of a consultation on funding for disadvantaged pupils, 86% of senior leaders believe the pupil premium is insufficient. This additional funding for low-income families is often used to plug budget gaps elsewhere, with 43% of leaders reporting this practice.
Daniel Kebede of the National Education Union said: "Schools are running on empty and making cuts to survive. It is indefensible that the government continues to underfund schools, making Send support impossible."
Calls for Increased Investment
Paul Whiteman of the NAHT school leaders' union emphasized that school finances remain perilous, requiring more investment to deliver on proposed Send reforms. Nick Harrison, Sutton Trust chief executive, added: "Schools are in a financial crisis over a decade and a half in the making. With reforms on the horizon, funding must be rebalanced towards those in need."
A Department for Education spokesperson responded: "We have prioritised education with record investment, including a core schools budget of £67bn in 2026-27 and increased pupil premium funding. Significant additional investment is planned to realise Send reforms."
However, with schools continuing to face severe cuts, the gap between government promises and on-the-ground reality appears to be widening, threatening the success of inclusivity initiatives for Send pupils.
