The number of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) has risen by 52% since 2019, and by 2024, over 5% of the 4-19 age group is projected to require these services.

Surrey is planning to create 872 new specialist school places by 2031​.

 

Around 1,200 children are involved in these inclusive activities each year, reflecting the increasing focus on accessibility and support​ – Surrey Para Games.

In 2022, Surrey had 12,700 EHCPs, covering 4.6% of the school population, higher than the national average of 4%. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was the primary need in 34% of cases, with 73% of plans issued for males. Autism, social, emotional, and mental health needs, and moderate learning difficulties have grown significantly in recent years.

To address this, Surrey County Council is investing nearly £140 million to create 2,500 new specialist school places by 2027, with 1,600 ready by 2024. Currently, 35% of EHCP students are educated in mainstream schools, one of the highest rates in the region.

Surrey County Council (SCC) has seen a 52% increase in 11-19-year-olds with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs requiring specialist school placements, with growth expected to reach 110% by 2026/27 compared to 2019/20. A shortage of specialist school places, especially in the north, has led to around 300 children being educated in independent schools, with over 50% placed outside the county. Long commutes impact their readiness to learn. To address this, the Department for Education has approved SCC’s plan for a new specialist free school, set to open by 2026/27.