How special schools are funded: 2026-27

Learn how special schools receive their funding, including how place funding and top-up funding are allocated.

Last reviewed on 17 April 2026See updates

School types: Special•School phases: All•Ref: 32511

Contents

Special schools are funded from the high needs block
Place funding is your core allocation
Top-up funding is in addition to place funding
Other streams of funding

Special schools are funded from the high needs block

High needs funding:

Supports provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Is provided to local authorities (LAs) through the high needs block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG)

This is explained in the high needs funding operational guide for 2026-27 (see section 1.3).

Place funding is your core allocation

Place funding is paid at a standard rate per place, based on the number of high needs placements your commissioning LA expects to make in the coming year.

Place funding is not reserved for a specific pupil – you are free to decide how to divide it across the number of places commissioned based on the

Special schools are funded from the high needs block

Place funding is your core allocation

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