Around two thirds of special schools are full or over capacity, new government statistics have suggested after a Schools Week investigation revealed a lack of data on the issue.
Department for Education data shows there are approximately 4,000 more pupils on roll in special schools than reported capacity.
Schools Week investigations revealed the DfE did not collect central data on special school capacity – despite soaring numbers of pupils with education, health and care plans.
In 2022, we exposed how 54 per cent of special schools had more pupils on roll than the number commissioned by their council.
