Nearly One in Five Pupils in England Now Need Special Educational Needs Support
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A Growing Challenge in Education
New figures reveal that nearly one in five pupils in England now require special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support. This sharp rise shows what many schools, families, and community organisations already know: more young people than ever are struggling to access the right education, guidance, and opportunities.
SEND can include learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, social and emotional needs, and physical disabilities. Without the right support, these young people are at higher risk of disengagement from school, poor mental health, and limited future prospects. At Genuine Futures, we believe every young person regardless of their challenges should have the chance to thrive, belong, and build a positive future.
How We Are Responding at Genuine Futures
The rise in SEND numbers highlights the gaps in traditional education and why alternative provision is so vital. Through our Young Futures Hub in Bolton and programmes such as Boss Your Future and Restore Young Futures, we provide:
- Alternative Provision for Schools: Tailored programmes for pupils at risk of exclusion, offering mentoring, coaching, and enterprise learning.
- Youth-Led Enterprise: Real-world
opportunities through We Shine Any Car, our car care and valeting business, giving practical skills, teamwork, and responsibility. - Creative & Enterprise Opportunities: From baking businesses to in-house art projects, young people with SEND are supported to explore their passions and build confidence.
- Wellbeing Through Connection: Safe spaces that reduce isolation, improve mental health, and give young people a sense of belonging.
Why This Matters
Without targeted support, pupils with SEND risk falling through the cracks. This is not just a statistic — it is a social issue with long-term consequences for communities, families, and the economy. By engaging young people in enterprise, mentoring, and positive activities, Genuine Futures is showing that SEND is not a barrier to success, it is an opportunity to adapt, innovate, and empower.
A Parent’s Perspective
One parent recently shared how her son, a neurodiverse young adult, has been transformed through our programme:
“For the first time, my son feels like he truly belongs. He comes home smiling, excited to share what he’s done, and full of purpose. Genuine Futures has helped him step out of his comfort zone with the right mindset and surrounded him with people who believe in him. You’re not just helping young people… you’re changing lives.”
Looking Ahead
As the demand for SEND support continues to rise, we know more needs to be done. At Genuine Futures, we are committed to working alongside schools, local authorities, and families to ensure no young person is left behind.
- We are now recruiting for our next Boss Your Future Bolton programme (ages 15–24, and up to 25 with SEND).
- We are also delivering our Restore Young Futures programme for pupils aged 12–15 who are at risk of exclusion.
- Together, we can turn these statistics into stories of hope, opportunity, and achievement.
To learn more, partner with us, or make a referral, visit: www.genuinefutures.co.uk
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