Educational gap between richest and poorest ‘will take 50 years to close’

Educational gap between richest and poorest ‘will take 50 years to close’

The report warned that while there was evidence of progress, there were still huge variations in the size of the educational gap in different parts of the country. The biggest divide was in the Isle of Wight where the poorest children leave schools two and a half years behind their peers.

Other areas showing little progress include Derby, Cumbria, and Knowsley where the attainment gap stood at 27 months.

At the opposite end of the scale, more successful areas were the likes of Southwark, Wandsworth and Tower Hamlets where the gap is just 7 months.

Sombre warning

Classroom leaders described the findings as a “sombre warning” to the Government.

“Schools work hard to enhance the life chances of all children but they cannot compensate for poverty and inequality alone. Avis Gilmore, the NUT’s Assistant General Secretary, said. “Government is responsible for ensuring families have jobs, homes and enough to eat – these are the prerequisites for children’s learning.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary designate of the National Association of Head Teachers said the UK still faced an “emergency” when it came to equality of opportunity for young people.

“Despite the improving standards in schools and two decades of sustained effort, we’ve struggled to shift the needle on the equality of opportunity dial,” he added.

The Department for Education has been contacted for comment.