SEND Tribunal Statistics 2024/25

The latest SEND Tribunal statistics are from 2024-2025 and detail the increasing number of appeals lodged by parents against decisions made by local authorities and content of EHCPs. The data shows that appeals continue to be resolved however, the number of appeals being lodged is far greater than those being resolved.

Number of Appeals: This tracks how many parents or carers have appealed decisions made by local authorities.

• Around 25,000 appeals were registered. This is up 18% on the previous period and is the 9^th consecutive increase.
• Approximately 20,000 appeals were resolved and therefore there is approximately a 5,000 appeal number difference between those coming in and those being resolved.

Types of SEND: The data can break down which types of special educational needs (e.g., autism, learning disabilities, speech and language needs) are most common among the appeals.

• 61% of appeals were about the content of EHCPs.
• Around 24% of appeals were against the decision refusing to undertaken an EHC needs assessment.

Success Rates: These statistics reveal how often the appellants win their cases, helping to provide insight into whether parents and guardians are successful in challenging local authority decisions.

• 31% resulted in the parental preference being ordered.
• 24% resulted in the local authorities agreeing with the parents’ or carers’ preference at the hearing.
• 13% resulted in the local authorities’ preference being ordered.
• Overall 95% of appeals were in favour of families.

It is assumed that the number of appeals lodged by families will only continue to increase. It is a positive that the SEND Tribunal, overall, continue to make orders in favour of the parents’ general position. The Department for Education has recognised that the SEND system is under pressure and that changes must be made to reduce the number of appeals that families must lodge. Changes to policy are expected to be announced with the new White Paper which is anticipated in early 2026 following a delay from autumn 2025.

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