Petition · Cabinet Office, Department for Education
Apologise and hold inquiry into ESN schools in the 1950s to 1980s
Open for signatures
54 signatures
What the petition asks
From the 1950s through to the 1980s, thousands of children were labelled “educationally subnormal” and removed from mainstream education. Many of these children were misclassified due to flawed testing, cultural bias, racism, poverty, and low expectations within the education system.
Once placed in ESN schools, children were often given little or no meaningful education. Many were left unable to read, write, or access basic qualifications. For many, consequences have lasted a lifetime —affecting employment, income, mental health, and self-worth. Despite the scale and impact of this injustice, there has been no full public inquiry, no formal government apology and no comprehensive support or compensation for survivors.
Timeline
| 8 Jun 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
54
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Cabinet Office, Department for Education
Opened
8 Jun 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.