UK government takes control of SEND budgets

As we have previously reported, the pressure on the UK SEND schooling system is closing to breaking point.  A major change announced in the Budget is the UK government taking greater central control of SEND funding. Relocating families may see tighter funding decisions, more standardised assessments, and longer approval timelines.  However, it may also make funding decisions for children more stable moving forward.

UK university fees increase

University tuition fees in England and Wales increased in 2025, rising from a cap of £9,250 to a new maximum of £9,535 per year. This change is the first increase since 2017 and is linked to inflation. The government has also announced that tuition fees in England will rise each year in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.

V Levels

England’s new V Levels will offer a vocational pathways for 16–19-year-olds from 2027 onwards, providing an alternative to A-levels with practical, career-focused learning.  Read more here.

End of IB in UK state schools?

The UK government is ending additional funding for the IB curriculum in state schools. Relocating families may face higher costs or limited availability for IB education within the state sector.