Biography
Lord Lexden has engaged extensively on learning disability and autism provision through six debate speeches, consistently highlighting the role of independent schools in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities. His contributions focus on the impact of Government education policies—particularly VAT on school fees and non-domestic rating changes—on small independent schools that serve vulnerable pupils, including those with autism and other SEND. He draws on his roles as former general secretary of the Independent Schools Council and current president of the Independent Schools Association to underscore the vulnerability of these specialist institutions.
Generated from their own Hansard record, below
“…ing in dyslexia, for example, may be found to have trouble learning to read as part of a wider disorder such as ADHD. Under the Bill, a special school that responds to these circumstances by making provision for additional need or needs will be required to make what is known as a material change application.”
Record by topic
- Learning disability & autism307th of 89912.0
What they’ve said
“…of the importance of the contribution the independent sector of education makes to providing for children with special educational needs and disabilities. I hope the Government also recognise this important contribution and will join us today in paying tribute to it.”
Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill · 2025-03-18 · Read on Hansard ↗
“…My child is autistic. State secondary was an utter disaster. She felt safe and happy. Her heart is now broken”. What are they to say to the head of a small independent school in Derbyshire with 120 pupils, who writes to me: “I am battling to save my life’s work”? How would members of the Government feel if they were fo…”
Independent School Fees: VAT · 2025-03-13 · Read on Hansard ↗
“My Lords, I continue the discussion about independent education. I do so with some temerity in view of the fine speeches made by my infinitely more distinguished noble friends in this debate.”
Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill · 2025-01-29 · Read on Hansard ↗
“…n the left of the party—who has come to recognise the value of the wide and diverse provision for children with SEND in the independent sector, which has such a long tradition of excellence in this sphere. Almost 30% of independent schools are special needs schools.”
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities · 2024-12-09 · Read on Hansard ↗
“My Lords, I sought this debate because our country’s independent schools—of which there are some 2,500 in total—face an imminent and dramatic change in their circumstances, which will have serious and far-reaching consequences.”
Independent Schools: VAT Exemption · 2024-09-05 · Read on Hansard ↗
Contributions reproduced under the Open Parliament Licence.
Related media coverage
Recent UK press coverage of their topics — not necessarily quoting them directly.
- New SEND school in Petersham completesouthlondon.co.uk