Mapping persistent disadvantage

A child’s attainment is still too strongly determined by their postcode. These maps show the scale of educational disadvantage across England — and where it runs deepest.

The attainment gap, mapped

We have worked with the Education Policy Institute (EPI) to map attainment for pupils facing persistent disadvantage across England, so we can see where the gaps are biggest — and where support is most needed. These are young people who have spent most of their school lives on free school meals, and the data reflects the impact this has had on their academic outcomes, and the way this impact changes across the country.

Nationally, the picture calls for urgent action. For persistently disadvantaged pupils, not passing GCSE English is maths is the norm – not the exception. A grade 4 is considered a standard pass; a grade 5 is a strong pass. On average, these pupils achieve a grade 3.3 in GCSE English and maths; shorter-term disadvantaged pupils achieve a grade 3.8; and non-disadvantaged pupils achieve a grade 4.9.

Explore the data

Use the maps below to explore Key Stage 4 attainment and persistent disadvantage rates across England by area:

Local authority
Region

You can also read our glossary of terms below.

The data in these maps were provided by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), commissioned by Teach First.
It relates to pupils in state-funded schools who completed Key Stage 4 in 2024.

How to use the maps

Each region or local authority area is colour-coded by the average grade in GCSE English and maths for pupils for pupils facing persistent disadvantage at Key Stage 4.

Hover over, tap or click any area to see a breakdown of attainment across different pupil groups and the rates of persistent disadvantage.

Persistent disadvantage outcomes by local authority

Average grade at Key Stage 4 English and maths (for persistently disadvantaged pupils)

Persistent disadvantage outcomes by region

Average grade at Key Stage 4 English and maths (for persistently disadvantaged pupils)

Glossary of terms

These are the key terms used throughout this page and in the maps above, reflecting how we define different 'disadvantage' groups in our report, 'Class dismissed'.

Persistently disadvantaged: Pupils facing persistent disadvantage are those who have been eligible for free school meals for at least 80% of their time in school.
Shorter-term disadvantaged: Pupils facing shorter-term disadvantage are those who are identified as 'disadvantaged' (eligible for pupil premium) but have been eligible for free school meals for less than 80% of their time in school.
Non-disadvantaged: Pupils who are not eligible for the pupil premium.
Key Stage 4: The period of education for pupils aged 14 to 16 in England, culminating in GCSE examinations, typically taken at the end of Year 11.
Grade 4 (standard pass): The minimum grade considered a pass in GCSE English and maths. Achieving a grade 4 in both subjects is often required for further education and employment opportunities.
Grade 5 (strong pass): A higher benchmark for GCSE English and maths, often required for entry to A-levels and competitive sixth forms.

Every child deserves a fair chance

Persistent disadvantage is not inevitable. Teach First works with schools in the areas that need it most — training excellent teachers and developing leaders who can change the odds for young people growing up in poverty.