SEND Pupils — Where Are They Placed?

Each row shows a need type at a specific severity level. EHCP columns show placement distribution (sum to ~100%).
The cyan column shows estimated prevalence in mainstream independent schools — privately funded, no EHCP involvement.

Placement Types

Independent — Private (No EHCP)

Independent — EHCP Funded

State Mainstream

State Special School

Specialist Independent

Residential Specialist

ISF Opportunity Zone

Reading the cyan column: These are children identified as SEND by their independent school but with no EHCP. Parents pay full fees. The school provides learning support from its own resources. Prevalence is shown as a % of the school's total SEND-identified population (e.g. at Cranleigh, 418 pupils = ~52% of roll). These children are invisible to LA data.

The ISF opportunity: The cyan column is full at the top (mild needs, privately funded) and empty at the bottom (complex needs). The red columns are empty at the top and full at the bottom. ISF bridges this gap — creating specialist provision within independent school estates to serve the complex-need children who currently cost LAs £45–150k/yr in external placements.