Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to (a) replace and (b) extend funding announced by the previous Government for 15 new special free schools.

This government is committed to making sure that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to achieve and thrive, which includes a place in a special school where needed.

The window for trusts to apply to run these schools closed on 19 July 2024. The department will provide an update in due course.

The upcoming Spending Review and October Budget will set funding for the 2025/26 financial year. All other future spending decisions will be for the next phase of the Spending Review, which is expected to set budgets for future years in the spring.