Every child deserves the right support to help them thrive, and for many children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), specialist provision is life-changing. Independent special schools (including non-maintained special schools and special academies) play a vital role in ensuring that children with complex needs - many of whom have previously struggled in multiple settings - finally receive the care, education and stability they need to succeed.
The rise in placements within independent special schools reflects a growing demand for specialist support that local authorities have not been able to meet quickly enough. In many cases, councils themselves are asking independent providers to open new schools to ensure children have access to the right provision. The focus must remain on delivering the best possible education for every child, rather than reducing the debate to cost alone.
Last year, the National Audit Office confirmed that increased spending on independent and non-maintained special schools is being driven by a rise in demand and not because schools are raising fees. Accusations of “profiteering” are not supported by evidence, and discussions about costs must be fact-based and nuanced. Independent special schools invest in the SEND system by expanding capacity and ensuring high-quality, timely and suitable provision for those who need it.
While a recent article by The Times highlights examples of the most expensive placements, it fails to acknowledge that these often involve highly complex children in 52-week residential care - children who would otherwise be left without the support they desperately need. Behind every statistic is a child who has finally found an environment where they can learn, grow and achieve their potential.
Cost comparisons between independent and maintained schools need to be fully understood. The widely cited £24,000 figure for local authority special schools covers only teaching and learning, whereas independent school fees include essential health and social care services, highly specialised staff and lower student-to-teacher ratios to support complex needs. It is worth reading the research from Sonnet Impact which shows that when needs are effectively met, the positive impact on learners and society is significant. The conversation should focus on value, quality, and outcomes rather than misleading headline figures: Reaching my potential
Independent special schools are not just a backstop, they are leaders in SEND excellence and should be valued as key partners in an inclusive system. Rather than creating an artificial divide between independent and maintained provision, we should be working together to strengthen the entire SEND system. We support a model where expertise from independent special schools helps build capacity in mainstream and maintained settings, ensuring children receive the right support earlier and specialist placements are used effectively for children with the most complex needs.
For many families, accessing an independent special school has been nothing short of transformational. Their voices must be central to this discussion. The priority should always be ensuring that every child receives the right support in the right setting so they can thrive, both now and in the future.