New research uncovers the experiences of young people with SEND in special schools

A new report has been published by #BeeWell providing insights into the lives of almost 2,500  young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) attending 42 special schools.

The data was collected between 2021 and 2024 and highlights both areas of relative strength and persistent inequalities  between children in specialist schools and counterparts in mainstream education.

The report shows that, overall, young people in special schools report similar levels of life satisfaction to their peers in mainstream schools. In some areas, notably psychological wellbeing, self-esteem and relationships with school staff, they report slightly more positive experiences than young people with SEND in mainstream settings.

However, inequalities remain. Differences in wellbeing and school experience were evident by socio-economic status, gender and broad area of need, with young people in the ‘SEND’ category consistently reporting poorer outcomes.

Read the full report here.