THE number of pupils with special educational needs in Worcestershire is in line with the national average.

However, the number of pupils educated in special schools is higher in the county than the national average.

In Worcestershire in January 2011, out of a total of 84,989 pupils, 2,630 – or 3.1 per cent – were awarded a statement of special educational needs (SEN).

Nationally the figure is slightly lower with 224,210 pupils – 2.8 per cent – across all schools in England having statements of SEN.

This percentage has remained unchanged in recent years.

Slightly more Worcestershire pupils with SEN did not have a statement, a total of 15,821 (18.6 per cent) compared with 1,449,685 or 17.8 per cent nationally.

In Worcestershire, the number of pupils with SEN in special schools was 1,161 (46.7 per cent) compared with 99,325 or 43.4 per cent nationally.

In the county’s primary schools in January 2011, 7,820 (20.4 per cent) out of 38,429 pupils have SEN.

In primary schools, 7,264 (18.9 per cent) of pupils did not have statements, which is higher than the national figure of 742,565 or 17.9 per cent.

Only 557 (1.4 per cent) did have statements which matched the national percentage of 1.4 per cent or 57,855.

In secondary schools, 771 pupils of 36,821 (2.1 per cent) had statements of SEN compared with 63,720 or two per cent nationally.

While 7,319 (19.9 per cent) of pupils with SEN did not have statements compared with 63,415, or 19.4 per cent, nationally.

Last year, all pupils assessed in Worcestershire for SEN were given statements.

Councillor Jane Potter, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: "The outcomes and trends for pupils with special needs in Worcestershire are broadly in line with national averages.

“The percentage of pupils with statements educated in special schools remains above the national average.”