The trend behind rising SEND Tribunal registrations over the past decade, and what's been linked to it.
The number of appeals registered with the SEND Tribunal has grown substantially over the past decade, from just over 3,000 in 2014/15 to around 25,000 in 2024/25.
Much of the increase has come in the last two years specifically, registrations rose 55% in 2023/24 and a further 18% in 2024/25.
Organisations that track this data, including academic researchers and SEND-focused publications, have identified specific contributing factors, including funding constraints on local authorities and an increasing gap between how many appeals are registered and how many are resolved each year. The government published a Schools White Paper addressing SEND reform, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, in February 2026, setting out proposed longer-term changes to the system.
A family bringing an appeal today is one among a growing number doing so. That's offered as context, not as commentary on whether any individual family should or shouldn't appeal, that's your decision, based on your own circumstances.
If you're one of the growing number of parents navigating this alone, SEND Assistant is built specifically to help you through it, not to tell you whether to start. Try SEND Assistant free.
Is the rise specific to certain types of appeal?
The overall registration rise spans appeal types, though specific breakdowns exist in the published data.
Is a reform expected to change this?
A government White Paper on SEND reform, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, was published in February 2026. It proposes longer-term structural changes, though existing SEND law and current EHC plans remain in place while the proposals go through consultation and any resulting legislation.
Does a rising number of appeals mean longer waits?
It can contribute to Tribunal caseload pressure, though processing times depend on several factors.
Where can I see the full statistics?
Published annually by the Department for Education.
Does this trend apply across all of England equally?
National figures can mask local variation, some local authorities see disproportionately higher appeal volumes than others.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Access to Justice is not a law firm and cannot represent you.