Top schools slammed for appallingly' low intake of Send pupils: It's a disgrace'

"The Sutton Trust charity found that the top 500 secondary schools enrol approximately half the proportion of disadvantaged SEND pupils seen in typical comprehensive schools."

"Two in five (41 per cent) school leaders believe some institutions in their locality actively deter applications from pupils with SEND."

"Sutton Trust chief executive Nick Harrison said it was appalling that many top-performing schools took in a lower proportion of SEND pupils than lived in their catchment area."

"This amounts to further social segregation of the school system, and risks entrenching the double disadvantage faced by low-income families whose children also have SEND needs."

A report by the Sutton Trust reveals that England's highest-achieving secondary schools admit significantly fewer disadvantaged pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) compared to average schools. The top 500 secondary schools enroll about half the proportion of disadvantaged SEND pupils seen in typical comprehensive schools. Many school leaders believe some institutions deter applications from SEND pupils. This situation contributes to social segregation and risks worsening the challenges faced by low-income families with SEND children, as highlighted by Sutton Trust's chief executive Nick Harrison.

Read at www.independent.co.uk