The number of children getting support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has risen sharply again to a new record high, new official figures have revealed. Between January 2025 and January 2026, there was a 12.5per cent rise in the number of pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs), the highest year-on-year increase since EHCPs were introduced over a decade ago, with numbers now over 700,000. A spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) said ministers are "building a system where every school can support every child to thrive, while ensuring those with the greatest needs get the specialist help they need". On her family's experience of seeking support, Karen Quinn told BBC News that delays to securing an EHCP for her son, who is autistic and also has ADHD and dyslexia, mean he may miss out on the support he needs before starting secondary school in September. "I just want him to get the help that he needs to be the best that he can be", she explained. By Hayley Clarke, with additional reporting by Rahib Khan.

The debate over single-sex and co-educational education continues in The Times. In a letter to the paper, Fionnuala Kennedy, head of Wimbledon High GDST, says girls' schools best prepare pupils for an unequal society by giving them the confidence that comes from learning in an environment free from gender bias. "As such, they emerge into the world of work and university confident, unfazed, comfortable in their skin and fully aware of their own capability", she concludes.

Samantha Price, head of Cranleigh School, draws on her experience leading both single sex and coeducational schools, saying she has seen "first-hand that children can flourish equally" in both settings. "I always encourage families to choose the school that feels right for their child, and children these days have a strong say in that choice", Ms Price adds.
The letters appear halfway.

Tes looks at what Andy Burnham's Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) might suggest about his approach to education if he becomes the next prime minister. Introduced in the 2024-25 academic year, the MBacc provides pathways into employment through technical education for young people in Greater Manchester. Loic Menzies, education policy and research specialist and author, tells the paper other mayors should be encouraged to develop their own local pathways rather than replicate the MBacc. By Jasmine Norden.

The Middle East was the most popular destination for UK teachers applying for jobs overseas last year, according to analysis by Tes of international-school job application data, with four out of the top 10 most desirable destinations being Gulf states. With more than 120,000 UK teachers applying for overseas posts in 2025, Tes reveals the destinations growing and declining in popularity. By Emma Seith.

On Wednesday 1 July, Highgate School will host its fifth environmentally-themed CPD day for educators across London and the South East. 

The day will feature a series of talks and discussions focused on key themes in environmental education. A keynote presentation will be delivered by Emily Brunton, senior sustainability lead at United Learning, the largest multi-academy trust in the UK. There will also be presentations by Paul Edmond, chief finance and sustainability officer at Heart Academies Trust; Paul Turner, education lead at the Ministry of Eco-Education, and Marina Marouda, deputy head of sixth form at Islington Collegiate Sixth Form. 

Commenting on the event, Gabriel Roberts, head of environmental sustainability at Highgate, said: "We’re delighted that Highgate’s Environmental CPD Day is returning for a fifth year. It's now a fixture in the calendars of environmental educationalists in the region, and acts as an important opportunity for professionals from across the state and independent sectors to network, assess their progress since the previous year, and share the newest ideas and initiatives."

Free places are available for state school participants. More information and booking details can be found here. 

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