Caught in the Crossfire: Buckinghamshire's Special Needs Students Denied New School Spaces

In a controversial move, plans for a specialist school in Buckinghamshire, intended to support 152 vulnerable pupils, have been scrapped, raising alarms among local leaders and advocates for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The proposed project was estimated to cost £18 million, but was ultimately replaced by a controversial funding package of £8 million over three years, sparking criticism from Mid Buckinghamshire MP Greg Smith, who described the cancellation as ”deeply unfair” given the rising demand for special school places in the county.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the decision by stating that the alternative funding would enable councils to establish specialist places more quickly, ensuring children could attend local schools rather than lengthy taxi rides to distant facilities. In her remarks, she emphasized the need for children with SEND to have access to ”great local schools with their friends”.

However, local officials expressed deep disappointment, pointing out that the £8 million funding falls short of what is needed to adequately expand existing schools, which they project would cost closer to £18 million based on government estimates. Buckinghamshire Council leader Steven Broadbent criticized the new funding strategy as a mere ”sticking plaster”, warning it would negatively affect residents who rely on adequate educational support for their children.

The situation is further complicated by a £27 million funding gap that the county faces in providing essential support for SEND children, while the number of students requiring educational health and care plans is expected to rise significantly, from 4,910 in January 2021 to over 6,000 by 2026. The areas of Aylesbury and High Wycombe face particularly high pressure due to increasing population and planned housing developments.

Council member Carl Jackson highlighted that the government’s own figures indicate a £10 million shortfall in the funding necessary to meet the needs. He criticized the decision as misaligned with the growing demand for special school places, stating, ”Like most areas across the country, Buckinghamshire is experiencing a significant increase in demand for special schools, more children and young people presenting with more complex needs.”

As the community grapples with these changes, the future of SEND education in Buckinghamshire remains uncertain, with local leaders pleading for solutions that meet the genuine needs of its students.