The Growing Demand for SEN Teachers in 2025: Job Market Trends and Opportunities

Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers are experiencing unprecedented demand in the UK, and this trend continues to rise. With a significant increase in children requiring additional support, schools, multi-academy trusts (MATs), and specialist provisions are actively seeking educators with skills which are in high demand. This surge presents both challenges and opportunities for educators interested in or currently pursuing a career in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Here, we explore the latest SEN job market trends, salary insights, and career opportunities, providing insight for those working in education (educators and recruiters) in 2025.

Factors Driving the Increased Demand for SEN Teachers

Several key elements contribute to the rising need for SEN teachers:

1. Rise in SEN Diagnoses

The number of pupils identified with SEND continues to increase. Recent data indicates:

• 1.7 million pupils in England are identified as having SEND which equates to 18% of the total student population .
• The number of pupils with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan has increased by 11.5% between 2023 and 2024, reaching 576,474 as of January 2024.

With conditions such as autism, ADHD, speech and language disorders, and social-emotional mental health needs being more widely recognised, schools are seeking trained SEN teachers capable of providing specialised support and interventions. Many are proactively training their existing staff teams to ensure they are equipped to manage the day to day increase in demands put upon them.

For a deeper understanding of supporting children with special educational needs, consider reading A Parent's Guide to Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs .

2. Challenges in Mainstream Schools Providing SEN Support

The demand for SEND support in mainstream education is increasing, but it also presents unique challenges:

• 80% of children with SEND are enrolled in mainstream schools, yet funding restrictions make daily learning increasingly challenging due to limited access to specialist staff, tailored resources, and adequate classroom support.
• Many educators lack specialised SEN training, leading to a heightened demand for SEND specialists in both mainstream and specialised settings.
• Where possible, MATs and schools are actively recruiting dedicated SEN teachers and teaching assistants to meet statutory support requirements. However, with a limited pool of qualified professionals , this has created a significant supply and demand challenge across the sector.
• The increase in students with SEN has led to more vacancies for SEN teachers not only in special schools but also within mainstream settings, as schools strive to enhance inclusivity.

In a commercial environment, individuals with specialist skills in high-demand sectors are often rewarded with premium salaries. However, in education, this is not the case. Despite the complexity and expertise required to teach and support children with SEND, there is no significant financial incentive attached to specialising in SEN teaching.

While a modest SEN allowance exists (as discussed later), it does not reflect the true value or demand for these skills in the way that commercial industries typically reward expertise. This lack of financial recognition can further impact recruitment and retention, making it even more challenging to fill these critical roles.

For insights on creating inclusive classrooms, explore10 Tips for Teachers on Creating an Inclusive Classroom .

3. Government Funding and Policy Initiatives

In the 2024 Autumn Budget, the UK government announced substantial investments in education, including:

• An additional £2.3 billion for mainstream schools and high needs for 2025 to 2026, bringing the total core school funding to almost £63.9 billion.
• Of this increase, £1 billion is allocated specifically for high needs funding in 2025 to 2026, raising the total high needs funding to £11.9 billion.

These investments aim to support the growing demand to support children and young people with SEND, with funding directed towards creating more specialist places in mainstream schools and enhancing support services.

4. Teacher Burnout in Mainstream Education

• Many mainstream teachers are transitioning to SEN teaching roles due to the lower pupil-to-teacher ratio and the opportunity to make a tangible impact.
• Facing rising workload pressures in mainstream settings, educators are exploring career paths in special education for a more fulfilling and specialised teaching experience.

• In the 2022/23 academic year, approximately 43,500 teachers left the state-funded sector in England , representing 9.6% of all qualified teachers. ​Looking ahead, the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) forecasts that teacher recruitment and retention challenges are likely to persist into 2025/26 .

For guidance on managing challenges in special education roles, read How to Manage the Challenges of Being Special Education Teachers and Teaching Assistants .

Current Job Market for SEN Teachers in 2025

1. Regions with High Demand for SEN Teaching Positions

Certain areas exhibit particularly high demand for SEN teachers, including:

• London & South East: Due to high student numbers and limited specialist school places.
• West Midlands & North West: Regions experiencing a growing SEND population and teacher shortages.
• South West & East of England: Areas with fewer specialist provisions, increasing demand in mainstream schools.

This widespread need indicates that SEN teachers are highly sought-after across both urban and rural areas, offering job seekers a diverse range of career options nationwide.

To explore current opportunities, visit Senploy's Job Listings atwww.senploy.co.uk

2. SEN Teacher Salaries in 2025

Salaries for Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers in the UK are competitive, often exceeding those of mainstream teachers due to the specialised skills required. Here's a breakdown of the typical salary ranges:​

• Early Career SEN Teacher: £30,000 - £38,000​
• Experienced SEN Teacher: £40,000 - £50,000​
• SENCO / Leadership Roles: £50,000 - £70,000​

These figures can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific responsibilities. For instance, SEN teachers in Inner London often receive higher salaries to reflect the increased cost of living and to attract talent to challenging areas.​

Comparison with Inner City Salaries:

Teachers working in Inner London benefit from enhanced pay scales. According to the National Education Union (NEU), the pay scales for the 2024/25 academic year are as follows:​

• Main Pay Range (MPR) for Inner London:
• • M1 (Minimum): £38,766​
  • M6 (Maximum): £50,288
• Upper Pay Range (UPR) for Inner London:
• • U1 (Minimum): £55,415​
  • U3 (Maximum): £60,092​

These pay scales indicate that even early career teachers in Inner London start at a higher salary compared to other regions. Additionally, SEN teachers may receive further allowances. The NEU outlines that SEN allowances range from £2,679 to £5,285 for the 2024/25 academic year. ​

Additional Benefits:

Beyond the base salary, SEN teachers often have access to:

• SEN Allowances: Additional payments recognising the extra responsibilities associated with supporting students with special educational needs.​
• Leadership Opportunities: Paths to roles such as SEN Coordinator (SENCO), Head of Inclusion, or specialist consultancy positions.​
• Professional Development: Access to specialised training and certifications to enhance skills and career progression.​

For insights into essential skills for special education teachers, consider reading 10 Essential Skills Every Special Education Teacher Needs .

3. Qualifications Required for SEN Teachers

To pursue a career as an SEN teacher, the following qualifications are typically necessary:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): Achievable through PGCE, School Direct, or SCITT routes.
• Experience in SEND: Often gained through roles such as teaching assistants, voluntary work, or specialised training.
• Additional SEN Qualifications (Optional): Many educators enhance their career prospects with SEND-specific training, such as the NASENCo Award or courses focusing on Autism and ADHD.

For comprehensive resources on SEND careers, visitSenploy's Resources .

Opportunities for Educators Transitioning into SEN Roles

If you're a qualified teacher considering a transition into SEN, several pathways can facilitate this move:

• Pursue SEN Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses : Short courses in areas like autism, speech therapy, or behavioural management can be beneficial. Senploy offers a variety of relevant courses .
• Gain Experience in SEN Settings: Starting as SEN support staff in specialised schools or provisions can provide valuable experience before moving into full-time teaching roles.
• Apply for SEN Teaching Assistant Positions: This approach allows new entrants to acquire practical experience in the field.
• Consider SEND Specialisations: Roles in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), alternative provisions, and therapy-based education are expanding, offering diverse opportunities.

For advice on career options in SEN, exploreSenploy's Career Resources .

Conclusion: The Future of SEN Teaching Careers

The demand for SEN teachers is projected to continue rising in 2025 and beyond, driven by:

• Increasing student needs for specialized support.
• Government investment into SEND provisions.
• Expanding job opportunities in both mainstream and specialist schools .

For educators seeking career progression, job security, and the chance to make a meaningful impact , SEN teaching offers a rewarding and stable career path.

If you’re interested in finding an SEN teaching job, explore the latest vacancies on Senploy – the UK’s specialist job board for SEND roles.