politics
Inquiry Calls for Overhaul of English Education System for White Working-Class Pupils
An independent inquiry commissioned by Star Academies and backed by the Department for Education found that white working-class children have some of the lowest educational outcomes in England. The report, which began last summer, concluded that the state is not serving these children's interests and that responsibility extends beyond schools.
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An independent inquiry has concluded that an overhaul of England's education system is required because the state is not serving the interests of white working-class children. The probe, which began last summer, assessed thousands of students and their parents along with hundreds of school teachers.
The inquiry examined why white working-class youngsters rank as the lowest-performing large demographic across England.
It ruled that the findings cannot be explained away by low aspiration or lack of effort. Inquiry co-chairs Baroness Estelle Morris and Sir Hamid Patel stated that a sustained national effort over many years will be required. Baroness Morris added that responsibility cannot sit with schools alone.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the youths had been robbed of opportunity and that the communities in the report are her communities. Reform's education spokeswoman Suella Braverman said the system is failing white working-class children.
Nick Harrison, CEO of the Sutton Trust, said the inquiry lays bare the cost of leaving whole communities behind and that white working-class children continue to have some of the lowest educational outcomes of any ethnic group in England.
