THE
PROBLEM
Parental income is still the strongest indicator of how well a child will achieve at school and how much they will earn in later life.
Too many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds do not achieve their full potential. Pupils from low-income families are less likely to enjoy school, less likely to see the value in their education and less likely to achieve the qualifications they need to progress to sustained destinations beyond school.
Extensive research confirms that young people from low income backgrounds do not lack aspirations. What they are deprived of is the guidance and networks they need to develop these aspirations and understand fully the connection between their education and their future success.
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds face lots of barriers that stop them from achieving their potential in school and beyond.
pupils on free school meals achieved more than 5 GCSEs (A*-C)
1 in 3
compared to 60.5% of their wealthier peers.
Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are
more likely to be NEET (not in education, employment or training) when they leave school.
2x