How Much Is My SEND Business Worth? | Valuation Calculator | James Dixey
How Much Is My SEND Business Worth?
Get a free, indicative valuation based on real market data. No documents needed — it takes around 60 seconds.
Updated April 2026Completely confidential
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Find out how much your business is worth
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A few quick questions
Everything we ask, you already know. No documents or financials needed. Takes around 60 seconds.
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Get your indicative range
See what businesses like yours are selling for, based on up-to-date valuation multiples in your sector.
Indicative valuation range
£3.4m – £3.8m
£2.5m£5m
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Talk to a sector specialist
Speak with an advisor who understands your market, can give you a more accurate valuation, and help you find the right buyer when you're ready.
How are SEND businesses typically valued?
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) providers are most commonly valued on a multiple of adjusted earnings (EBITDA), but the sector is diverse and the type of provision you offer will significantly influence your multiple. Whether you run a specialist school, a therapy practice, an alternative provision setting, or an outreach service, the common thread is that buyers are looking for providers with established referral relationships, strong regulatory ratings, and a clear specialism that is difficult to replicate.
What multiples do SEND providers sell for?
Multiples for SEND businesses generally range from 4x to 8x adjusted earnings, with specialist schools and registered settings at the higher end. When we speak with buyers, the businesses that command the strongest multiples tend to be those with consistent referrals from local authorities, stable funding arrangements, and a reputation for delivering measurable outcomes for children and young people. The level of demand for SEND placements in the UK means that well-run providers with capacity are highly sought after.
What factors affect the value of an SEND business?
Ofsted or CQC rating. Depending on the type of provision, you may be regulated by Ofsted, CQC, or both. Your rating is critical. Buyers expect a "Good" rating as a minimum, and an "Outstanding" rating will strengthen your position. The narrative within your inspection report matters too, particularly around safeguarding and outcomes.
Local authority relationships. The strength of your referral pipeline from local authorities is one of the most important value drivers. Buyers want to see established, long-standing commissioning relationships rather than reliance on a single council or spot-purchase arrangements alone.
Want a more accurate picture?
An online calculator is a useful starting point. Speak with our team to understand what your send could realistically achieve.
Specialism and expertise. Providers with a clear, recognised specialism, whether that's autism, SEMH, speech and language, or complex needs, tend to attract higher valuations. Specialist provision commands higher placement fees and is harder for new entrants to set up, which makes existing providers more valuable.
Staff qualifications and retention. SEND provision requires skilled, specialist staff, and they are in short supply. A stable team with relevant qualifications and experience is a major asset. This is something we hear about consistently from buyers, often described as the single most important factor after the regulatory rating.
Property and registration. If you operate from registered premises, the suitability and condition of the building matters. Schools registered for a specific number of places, with scope to grow, are particularly attractive.
Funding structure. Buyers will examine your fee levels, how they compare to the market, and whether your funding comes primarily from Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), direct local authority commissioning, or a combination. A clear and sustainable funding model is essential.
Is there strong demand for SEND businesses?
Demand is exceptionally strong in the UK. The number of children and young people with EHCPs has been growing year on year, and local authorities across the UK are struggling to find sufficient placements. This structural undersupply means that quality SEND providers are among the most sought-after acquisitions in the education sector. Both private equity-backed platforms and established education groups have been actively acquiring in this space for several years, and that shows no sign of slowing.
How does selling an SEND business differ from other education businesses?
The regulatory landscape is more complex. Depending on your provision type, you may need to navigate Ofsted registration transfers, CQC changes, local authority notification, and potentially TUPE for staff with specialist qualifications. The sensitivity around the children and young people you support also means that buyers and regulators will want reassurance about continuity of provision. These factors can add time and complexity, but they also mean that the barriers to entry are high, which supports your valuation.
How long does it take to sell an SEND business?
Most SEND business sales take between five and ten months, reflecting the regulatory requirements involved. Where property is part of the transaction, conveyancing adds further time. Having your registration documents, inspection reports, funding agreements, and staff records well-organised before going to market is the best way to keep the process efficient.
How accurate is an online SEND business valuation?
An online valuation provides a useful starting point, but SENS businesses vary enormously in their structure, funding, and regulatory position. The specifics of your provision, your placement fees, and the strength of your referral relationships all need closer examination to give you an accurate figure. If the indicative range is of interest, a confidential conversation will help us refine it significantly.
