Local SEND context
For families in London, the practical question is not just how Southwark performs on paper, but what the local data means for a child who needs support now. The figures below help identify where delays, disputes or evidence gaps may create pressure points.
Southwark is responsible for 3,552 active EHC plans, with 494 new plans recorded in the latest 2025 data. For parents, that means EHCP decisions are being made inside a busy local system where clear evidence and a well-structured request can make a material difference.
33% of new EHCPs in Southwark were completed within 20 weeks (163 of 494). This suggests delays remain a realistic risk, so parents should prepare evidence early and chase missed milestones promptly.
Southwark covers families in Borough & Bankside, Camberwell Green, Champion Hill, Chaucer, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Village, Dulwich Wood, Faraday, Goose Green, London Bridge & West Bermondsey, Newington, North Bermondsey, North Walworth, Nunhead & Queen's Road, Old Kent Road, Peckham, Peckham Rye, Rotherhithe, Rye Lane, South Bermondsey, St George's, St Giles and Surrey Docks and other areas within London.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
3,552
New EHC Plans
494
Issued within 20 weeks
33%
163 of 494 new plans
Tribunal Cases
120
Mediation Cases
3
Local Offer
Visit Southwark's Local Offer websiteYou can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Southwark local authority. The strongest requests usually include clear school evidence, professional reports where available, examples of unmet need and a concise explanation of why SEN Support is not enough. The Southwark Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
If Southwark refuses to assess or refuses to issue an EHCP after assessment, parents and young people usually have a right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal. You should read the decision letter carefully, note the appeal deadline and request mediation information before deciding how to proceed.
A SEN advocate can help by reviewing evidence, strengthening the EHC needs assessment request, checking draft EHCP wording and preparing the issues for mediation or SEND Tribunal.
In the latest published data, 33% of new EHCPs in Southwark were issued within the 20-week timescale, so families should keep dated records and follow up missed deadlines. If your case is delayed, ask for written updates, keep copies of every submission and consider taking advice before accepting a weak draft plan.
