Disadvantage Gap in English Schools Widens at Early Years and Key Stage 4 but Narrows for Some Older Pupils

The disadvantage gap between pupils from low-income households and their better-off peers in England has widened again, BBC News reported. The Education Policy Institute said the gap is now bigger at every phase of school than it was before the pandemic. In early years the difference in academic achievement is 17% greater than pre-Covid levels.

By Key Stage 4, disadvantaged pupils are on average 19 months behind classmates from better-off backgrounds. Gaps at some stages had begun to close after the pandemic but are widening again in early years and at Key Stage 4. Attainment gaps for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities have narrowed for older age groups but stand at record highs for children with education, health and care plans.

Disadvantaged pupils in London outperformed those from similar backgrounds in all other regions, while the gap grew most in the South-East and South-West. "The size of the gap between the educational outcomes of children from more and less advantaged backgrounds is a scourge on our society," Julie McCulloch, chief executive of the EPI, said.

" He called for an end to statutory testing in primary schools and broader assessment approaches in secondary schools.

The Local Government Association called for more investment in the SEND workforce and a review of eligibility for funded childcare hours. " The Department for Education said it is working to close the gap by expanding government-funded childcare and extending eligibility for free school meals.