Lesson
One in Five Pupils Have Special Needs
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
Over 20% of pupils in England have special educational needs, highlighting increased demand for support in schools.
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Standard — Natural English
59 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
In England, more than one in five students have special educational needs. This means they need extra help in school. The number of children needing support has grown a lot this year. Many families are looking for help, but schools are struggling to provide it.Standard version (B1–B2)
Recent figures show that more than one in five pupils in England have special educational needs. This includes children who receive extra support in school. The number of children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) has risen significantly, indicating a growing demand for assistance. Schools are facing challenges in meeting these needs due to limited funding and resources.Advanced version (C1–C2)
According to the latest data, more than one in five pupils in England are identified as having special educational needs, reflecting a substantial increase in the demand for additional support within the educational system. The number of children with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) has surged by 11.6% this year, totaling 538,500. This rise underscores the pressure on schools, families, and local councils to provide adequate resources and support. Educational leaders have expressed concerns about the sustainability of the current system, which is under significant strain, particularly as many disadvantaged children require assistance. The government has announced plans to invest over £4 billion to enhance support for these students.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What percentage of pupils in England have special educational needs?
02How much did the number of children with EHCPs increase this year?
03What is the total number of children with EHCPs?
04What is the government's investment to support special educational needs?
Discussion
What are the implications of increasing special educational needs in schools?
Vocabulary
pupil word
a student in school
“Each pupil has unique learning needs.”
support word
help or assistance
“Schools provide support for students with special needs.”
demand word
the need for something
“There is a high demand for special educational resources.”
funding word
money provided for a specific purpose
“Schools need more funding to help all students.”
resources word
supplies or materials needed for a task
“Teachers require resources to effectively support their pupils.”