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Â鶹ÒùÔº is committed to advancing inclusive education by supporting high-quality research that improves understanding, practice, and policy that benefits neurodivergent learners and those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).Ìý

Through our research partnerships and funding streams, Â鶹ÒùÔº is:

• Enabling rigorous, applied research to test new approaches within schools, colleges, and other educational settings.
• Promoting inclusive teaching practices that recognise and respond to the diverse strengths and needs of neurodivergent learners and those with ASN/SEND.
• Building research capacity by involving early career researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from a range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Generating insights and findings that inform national debates and improve outcomes for learners across the UK.

New research from the Â鶹ÒùÔº, funded byÌý, highlights practical, evidence-informed ways schools can better support neurodivergent learners in mainstream settings.Ìý

TheÌýNeurodiversity in Mainstream SchoolsÌýprogramme bringsÌýtogether four major research projects, each exploringÌýdifferent aspectsÌýof effective support. Together, their findings provide schools,ÌýpolicymakersÌýand practitioners with practical, evidence-informed guidance to better support inclusion,ÌýengagementÌýand life chances.Ìý

With growing concern about SEND provision and rising numbers of neurodivergent learners, the final reports collectively highlight that improving outcomes for neurodivergent learners depends less on introducing new or more complex interventions, and more on rethinking how education is designed and delivered in everyday practice.ÌýÌý

The research shows that:Ìý

• Flexible, inclusive learning environments significantly improve engagement,ÌýbehaviourÌýand wellbeing.Ìý
• Current systems often rely on rigid and deficit-based models thatÌýfail toÌýmeet learners’ needs.Ìý
• Creative and participatory approaches help young people develop confidence,ÌýidentityÌýand aspirations.Ìý
• Student voice and co-creation are central to effective support.Ìý

2025/2026 Â鶹ÒùÔº Small Grants Fund: Researching ASN/SEND

Our annual Small Grants Fund focuses on a different priority area each year. For 2025/2026, the theme is Additional Support Needs (ASN) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Â鶹ÒùÔº is supporting small-scale research that will:

• Explore strategies to balance inclusion with individual needs
• Strengthen collaboration with parents and carers
• Investigate the role of assistive technology
• Examine links between ASN/SEND and mental health