Hackney Council is set to implement a new Education Strategic Plan to address declining pupil numbers and other challenges facing the borough's schools.
The Hackney Education Strategic Plan 2026-29, approved by the Cabinet on Monday 15 December 2025, aims to cultivate a future where every child and young person can access an excellent education. The plan sets out how the council will address challenges such as falling pupil numbers, the increasing complexity of special education needs, and the financial stability of educational institutions. The plan includes developing sustainable strategies and optimising resources, as well as a sustainable, area-based planning model that ensures every school and setting sees itself as part of a borough-wide approach.
According to the council, the plan was co-created with residents, schools, and settings. The Hackney Education Strategic Plan was co-created with residents, schools and settings. The plan's core commitments are to be resolutely anti-racist, to work in genuine partnership with parents and carers, and to champion the health and wellbeing of all young people. The Hackney Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion 3 Year Strategy has been coproduced with Children and Young people, Parents and Carers, SENCOS and School Leaders, and professionals and officers from across the local area partnership, adhering to the principles of the Lundy Model.
Councillor Anntoinette Bramble, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Young People, stated that the plan aims to ensure Hackney is one of the best places in the country for children and families to learn, grow, and live well. The plan also emphasises collaboration with families, schools, educational settings, and partners to develop sustainable strategies and optimise resources. The council is committed to fostering a child-centered, anti-racist, inclusive, and high-achieving educational model that builds community trust.
The plan identifies five key priorities:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion
- Additional and Alternative Learning Provision
- Strength and sustainability
- Sustainable school improvement
- Equity for children and families
The Cabinet also approved the Hackney Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion 3 Year Strategy, which aims to ensure that all children and young people with SEND in Hackney receive high-quality education and support as close to home as possible. The report pack for the meeting stated that around 20% of children and young people in Hackney have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or receive SEN Support, which is greater than the London and national averages. The Hackney Education Strategic Plan 2026-29 aims to address the increasing complexity of special education needs within the student population, requiring more specialised and intensive support services.
The strategy is a product of extensive co-production, adhering to the principles of the Lundy Model of Participation. The Lundy Model of Participation has four elements: Space, Voice, Audience and Influence.
The Hackney Education Strategic Plan 2026-29 and the Hackney Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Inclusion 3 Year Strategy are expected to be published in January 2026.
