Tackling the attainment gap in GCSE English and maths

We are calling for a significant increase in long-term funding for schools with the most disadvantaged intakes to address this gap, which is likely to have been worsened by partial school closures brought about by COVID-19. The charity is also calling for financial incentives for early career teachers who work in schools facing the greatest challenges.

The analysis highlights regional inequalities, with London continuing to dominate the top grades compared with the rest of the country. It also shows that both the capital and all regions across England are still struggling to close the attainment gap.