EHCP Compass · The data
SEND by the numbers — what 2026 data shows
Five recent statistics from authoritative sources that show you're not alone, the system is under strain, and complaints are working. All figures verified June 2026.
The picture in 2026
If you're navigating an EHCP dispute right now, it can feel like you're alone. You're not. These five recent statistics — every one from a primary, authoritative source — paint the bigger picture.
Statistic 1 of 5
SEND tribunal appeals last year — a record high
The SEND Tribunal received 29,000 new appeals in 2025/26 — the highest number ever recorded, and a 23% increase on the previous year. The open caseload is now 17,000 — backlog up 43%.
What this means for you
- You are far from alone. Tens of thousands of parents are appealing every year.
- Expect longer waits. With backlogs growing, the case management process can take many months.
- File early. If you're considering an appeal, the sooner you act, the sooner your case moves up the list.
Statistic 2 of 5
of detailed Ombudsman investigations are upheld
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigated 4,441 detailed SEND complaints in 2024/25 and upheld 83% of them — meaning the council was found to have done something wrong. The total volume of complaints reached the Ombudsman is up 15% for the second year running.
What this means for you
- When you complain to the Ombudsman about a SEND failure, more than 4 in 5 detailed investigations find fault.
- Complaining is worth it. The data shows that councils are getting things wrong on a massive scale.
- You can complain to the Ombudsman after exhausting the council's own complaints process.
Source: LGSCO Annual Report 2024-25.
Statistic 3 of 5
of children with EHCPs are now in mainstream schools
According to the National Foundation for Educational Research, 56% of pupils with EHCPs are now educated in mainstream schools — up from 49% in 2015/16. The variation between primary schools is up to 6 times — meaning some schools take many more SEND pupils than others.
What this means for you
- Mainstream is the norm, not the exception. More than half of EHCP children are in mainstream settings.
- Schools vary enormously. Two schools in the same town can have hugely different SEND populations and approaches.
- Use the new Ofsted Inclusion judgements (introduced November 2025) to compare schools before choosing.
Statistic 4 of 5
of teachers say class sizes are too big for proper inclusion
The National Education Union's 2026 survey of 10,311 teachers and 2,996 support staff found:
What this means for you
- 89% say class sizes are too big for proper inclusion
- Only 22% are confident that referrals result in the help needed
- 83% cite insufficient support staff as the top barrier
- 74% point to teacher workload
- 69% identify a lack of specialist services
Source: NEU State of Education 2026: SEND.
Statistic 5 of 5
children, parents and practitioners surveyed by Ofsted and CQC
In December 2025, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission jointly published a thematic review of children with SEND who are not in school. They visited 6 local area partnerships and surveyed over 700 children, parents and practitioners. The headline: "Too many children with SEND who do not attend school are missing out on the help and support they need from local education, care and health services."
What this means for you
- Powerful, primary-source authority if you're challenging Section 19 / Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) arrangements
- Children who are not in school still have an EHCP and the LA still has a legal duty to deliver Section F provision
- The inspectorates have confirmed this is a systemic failure — not just your child's experience
What you can do with these numbers
The data above isn't just background reading. It's ammunition. Use it:
- In your tribunal Working Document — cite the 83% uphold rate when arguing the council has a pattern of getting things wrong
- In complaints to your school's SENCO — cite the 89% NEU survey finding when challenging "we can meet need" claims
- In conversations with elected councillors — share the record tribunal numbers to evidence that change is needed
- In your own confidence — you are not the problem, the system has problems
Need help putting it into practice?
- Our Annual Review Copilot helps you prepare evidence-backed challenges
- Our Tribunal Preparation Guide walks through citing data in your Working Document
- Free, multilingual SEND support across 25+ languages
Last verified: 29 June 2026. All figures sourced from primary publications: HMCTS Tribunal Statistics, LGSCO Annual Report, NFER, NEU, Ofsted-CQC. This is information, not legal advice.