White working class pupils failed by English education system, inquiry finds

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAn independent inquiry has concluded that the education system in England is "not set up to serve white working-class children and families," identifying them as the lowest-performing large demographic in the school system. The inquiry, commissioned by Star Academies and supported by the Department for Education, highlights a "white working-class disadvantage gap," noting that only 36% of white British pupils on free school meals achieve a Grade 4 or above in English and Maths GCSE, significantly lower than their non-free school meal peers. Co-chairs Baroness Estelle Morris and Sir Hamid Patel stated that these issues cannot be attributed to low aspiration or lack of effort, and cannot be resolved by schools alone, emphasising a disconnect between how families and the education system define success. The report found that many white working-class families prioritise the social experience of school and vocational options like apprenticeships, while the education system often focuses on academic progression to higher education. Among its 24 recommendations, the inquiry calls for significant reforms including more early-years support, improved mental health services, restrictions on smartphone use in schools, extended free childcare for disadvantaged families, and a substantial expansion of apprenticeship opportunities. In fullEducation system not set up to serve white working-class children, major report findsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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