The latest Education Policy Institute (EPI) report paints a stark picture of widening educational disadvantage across England, with pupils from lower-income households falling further behind their better-off classmates. Despite some initial progress after the Covid-19 pandemic, the attainment gap has resumed its steady growth, reaching unprecedented levels at every stage of schooling.
Early years education has seen a particularly significant 17% increase in the disparity between low-income students and wealthier peers, with disadvantaged pupils lagging behind by an average of two-and-a-half academic years by Key Stage 4. The report also highlights that attainment gaps for older pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have narrowed, but remain at record highs for children with Education, Health and Care Plans.
The EPI's analysis reveals stark regional disparities in educational outcomes, with disadvantaged pupils in London continuing to outperform those from similar backgrounds elsewhere. Conversely, the gap between well-off and worse-off pupils has grown most significantly in the South-East and South-West of England. The report measures disadvantage by considering children who have ever been eligible for free school meals.
Julie McCulloch, EPI chief executive, described the size of this educational gap as a 'scourge on our society', urging the incoming prime minister to make closing it a top priority. The EPI recommends expanding access to funded childcare and increasing per-pupil funding for eligible pupils.
The Department for Education has reaffirmed its commitment to closing the disadvantage gap, citing efforts to expand government-funded childcare and extend free school meal eligibility. However, teachers' unions and local authorities are calling for more fundamental changes, including a review of assessment methods and increased investment in the SEND workforce.