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Private Schools Drain £2 Billion in SEND Funding

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies shows private schools cost taxpayers over £2 billion due to SEND issues.
Since 2019, spending on private SEND places has nearly doubled, averaging £60,000 per pupil.
A shortage of state-funded places has driven councils to rely on independent schools.
Luke Sibieta of the Institute of Fiscal Studies calls for reform to fix SEND.
The government pledges to address excessive profit-making in education.

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Story summary

A report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies shows private schools cost taxpayers over £2 billion due to SEND issues.
Since 2019, spending on private SEND places has nearly doubled, averaging £60,000 per pupil.
A shortage of state-funded places has driven councils to rely on independent schools.
Luke Sibieta of the Institute of Fiscal Studies calls for reform to fix SEND.
The government pledges to address excessive profit-making in education.