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Half of English Schools Slash Special-Needs Support Amid Funding Crisis

4/23/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nearly half of English school leaders say they have cut essential support for special-needs pupils as funding crises deepen.
Two-fifths of schools have reduced special-needs support, with 71% cutting teaching assistants and primary schools seeing 45% reductions versus 25% at secondary schools.
The Department for Education announced a £1.7 bn core budget increase for 2026-27 and pupil premium funding rising to about £3.2 bn.

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Story summary

Nearly half of English school leaders say they have cut essential support for special-needs pupils as funding crises deepen.
Two-fifths of schools have reduced special-needs support, with 71% cutting teaching assistants and primary schools seeing 45% reductions versus 25% at secondary schools.
The Department for Education announced a £1.7 bn core budget increase for 2026-27 and pupil premium funding rising to about £3.2 bn.