A recent report revealed that children from less privileged backgrounds lag behind their peers by nearly two years academically when taking their GCSEs. The Education Policy Institute (EPI) highlighted a widening gap in academic performance between pupils from lower-income families and their wealthier counterparts in England, persisting at all education stages post the Covid pandemic.
The study indicated a 17% increase in the academic achievement gap among young children compared to pre-Covid levels, with disadvantaged pupils falling behind by an average of 19 months by the time they reach Key Stage 4 for GCSEs. In response, the Department for Education announced initiatives to narrow the gap, such as expanding government-funded childcare and extending eligibility for free school meals.
Acknowledging the significance of this issue, the Mirror has actively advocated for universal access to free school meals for all primary school children, supporting Sir Keir Starmer’s efforts to ensure no child goes hungry. The expansion of free school meals to families receiving Universal Credit in England, endorsed by Starmer, reflects a vital step towards addressing child poverty.
Despite ongoing efforts to reduce the disparity in educational outcomes, the EPI’s analysis showcased varying levels of achievement gaps based on socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and special educational needs. Notably, disadvantaged pupils in London exhibited better performance compared to their counterparts in other regions, while the disparity between disadvantaged and affluent students escalated notably in the South East and South West.
Julie McCulloch, EPI’s chief executive, emphasized the urgent need to address the widening gap in educational outcomes, urging the government to intensify efforts to achieve its goal of halving the disadvantage by the time current students complete secondary school. She emphasized the necessity for a focused approach to bridge the gap and enhance educational opportunities for all children.
Proposed solutions included broadening access to funded childcare for all children and increasing school funding for pupils eligible for free school meals. Various education stakeholders, including the National Education Union and the Local Government Association, advocated for reforms in testing methods and enhanced support for children with special educational needs.
In response to the report, a Government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to providing equal opportunities for all children, outlining measures such as expanding childcare, extending free school meals, abolishing the two-child cap, and improving the SEND system. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the importance of advancing towards universal early years education to ensure that disadvantaged children receive equitable educational opportunities.