Plans for new price bands for private special schools

The government is introducing clear national price bands and strengthened standards to ensure independent special schools deliver for children.

Independent special schools charge an average of £63,000 per child per year – more than twice the £26,000 cost of a state special school. Yet there is no evidence children do any better. Over 30% of these schools are backed by private equity firms, with public money intended for children and young people with the most complex needs instead flowing into private profit.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: "We’re cracking down on providers who put profit before children. New standards and proper oversight will ensure every independent special school placement delivers real outcomes for children – not unreasonable bills for local authorities."

Under the plans, new national price bands will end unjustified fee variation for the same provision, giving councils the confidence to challenge poor value placements. 

There will be new statutory SEND-specific standards to ensure every independent special school delivers consistent, high-quality support and clear outcomes for pupils.  And the need for full cost transparency will show exactly how public money is spent. 

The plans also mean that local authorities will have a formal say on new or expanding independent provision so places are created where children actually need them. 

Where special schools are the right setting for children with the most complex needs, the new framework will ensure places are high-quality, locally planned and financially sustainable. 

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA, said: "It is good the Government has set out plans to regulate independent special schools and measures to control costs.

"While in some cases an independent school can be the best place for a child to attend, it is wrong that when councils’ own costs are soaring that some providers are setting unreasonably high prices and making significant profits from state-funded placements.

"To reduce the reliance on independent special schools, we look forward to the Government’s Schools White Paper ensuring more children with SEND get the care and support they need in schools and other mainstream settings."