Open petition: Apologise and hold inquiry into ESN schools in the 1950s to 1980s

Created by Noel Gordon
Closes on 8 December 2026

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.

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