The Gloucestershire Schools Forum's meeting on Thursday 10 September 2026 is scheduled to discuss the High Needs budget forecast for 2026/27, updates on SEND reforms and funding consultations, and an education capital update. The agenda also includes an update on the work of the f40 Group and a review of the Schools Forum's constitution.

High Needs Budget Forecast and SEND Reforms

Discussions are expected regarding the High Needs budget forecast for 2026/27, which may indicate an expected overspend. A report detailing the budget position and its alignment with the SEND reform plan submitted to the Department for Education (DfE) is anticipated. This report may highlight projected increases in expenditure across various areas, including further education colleges, mainstream provision for primary and secondary schools, and specialist provision for independent schools and special schools.

Updates are also expected on national SEND reforms and funding consultations. The DfE's plans for reforming the education system, particularly the SEND system, may be discussed, with a focus on inclusive funding for early years and 16-19 provision. Gloucestershire County Council may provide draft responses to consultations on upfront funding for mainstream schools, changes to early years entitlements, and Education Other Than At School (EOTAS). Concerns may be raised regarding the timing and nature of the proposals, particularly concerning the potential impact on the High Needs Block and the overall Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit.

Discussions may also cover the local SEND Reform Plan, which is awaiting DfE approval to enable access to the High Needs Stability Grant. The plan may outline a three-year blueprint for strengthening inclusion, with a focus on developing a locality-based Experts at Hand offer to support education settings. Concerns may be raised regarding potential reductions in local authority funding and flexibility in relation to the early years funding consultation.

Education Capital Update

An update on the Education Capital Programme is expected. This may include information on the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA), which has shifted focus towards investment in inclusion bases, accessibility improvements, and SEND support within mainstream schools. Information on the allocation of £9.407 million for 2026/27 to support the development of specialist inclusion bases in mainstream settings may be provided.

Updates may also be provided on the development of two new special schools: GAIL Academy in Gloucester, which is on track to open in January 2027, and Sandfield Academy in Cheltenham, which is scheduled to open in September 2028. Information on improvements to accommodation for the Gloucestershire Hospital Education Service (GHES) may also be discussed, with Phase 1 focusing on refurbishment works at the former Moat Primary School site.

Sufficiency of School Places

An update on the sufficiency of school places is expected, noting a general decline in birth rates across Gloucestershire, particularly impacting the primary sector. Forecasts indicating potential unfilled primary places by 2029/30 may be presented, along with information on engagement with schools and partners to address these challenges. Updates on expansions at Henley Bank School and Severnbanks Primary School may also be provided.

f40 Update

An update on the work of the f40 Group, which advocates for fairer school funding, may be provided. This update may highlight the group's priority on the reform of funding formulas and the potential risks to system reform posed by insufficient funding. Information on the f40's campaign messaging for Autumn 2026 may be shared.

Annual Review of Constitution and Membership

The Gloucestershire Schools Forum is expected to consider its constitution and membership structure.

Meeting Dates

The Forum will note the scheduled dates for future meetings in 2026 and 2027.