SEN 60-place special school cost

Why SEN sits so much higher per place

BB104 requires additional space per pupil and additional specialist rooms[BB104]. Per-place GIFA is around 19 m² (vs 6.8 m² for mainstream primary). FF&E percentages also run higher (10-14%) to fund specialist equipment, hoists, soft-play and AAC technology.

Worked example

GIFA = 60 × 19 m² = 1,140 m². Works rate = £3,180/m². Sub-total works = £3,625,200. +10% Net Zero, +12% FF&E, +10% fees, +5% abnormals → all-in around £4,975,000. £/m² all-in around £4,365. £/place around £82,900.

Funding routes

60-place SEN schools are usually delivered through the DfE Free Schools Special programme[Free Schools] or LA-led capital. Many are absorbed into the SRP where existing SEN buildings are in poor condition[SRP].

Compare with SEN 120-place.