High Needs in FE - the key facts

Natspec has collated some of the recent data on SEND and further education. The increased demand for specialist FE places and the continuing stress on resources will require innovative solutions moving into 2022/23.

The number of young people with EHCPs is continuing to rise across all age groups. Those aged 16 to 25 now represent 28% of all EHCPs. For FE, this means that demand for college places will rise further over the next ten years, due to the increases in the number of children and young people with EHCPs aged 5-10 and 11-15.

Local authorities continue to place the majority of young people with EHCPs into General FE Colleges, with specialist colleges taking approximately 10% of places for those with the most complex needs.