The government has suggested that as a result of this policy, around 35,000 additional students will need to find places in the nation’s state schools. However, in the meantime, state schools would be well advised to plan for a potential influx of pupils. The budget has also thrown the current provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into sharp focus. Meanwhile, there are still plenty of questions that need answering in response to other measures announced in last month’s budget. Overall, while the budget brings some relief through increased funding and targeted measures, it does not fully address deeper structural issues or long-term sustainability challenges in the education sector, meaning that its legacy is more likely a sticking plaster than a silver bullet.