Class dismissed: Closing the gap for persistently disadvantaged pupils
Over a million pupils in the UK live in long-term poverty. That means they spend at least 80% of their school lives relying on financial support like free school meals to meet their basic needs. This is known as 'persistent disadvantage'.
Persistent disadvantage is one of the strongest predictors of poor educational attainment and post-16 outcomes in England.
In our report, we found that by the time they reach their GCSEs, persistently disadvantaged pupils are:
- 22 months of learning behind their non-disadvantaged peers
- 6 months behind shorter-term disadvantaged peers
And after Year 11, they have a one in four (25.5%) chance of not progressing towards a qualification (equivalent to at least one GCSE) or an apprenticeship.
The average grade of a persistently disadvantaged pupil is 3.3 in GCSE English and Maths.
But none of the above is an inevitability.
Our research found many pupils and entire schools who were bucking the trends and closing the gap. We identified 88 state-funded schools where persistently disadvantaged pupils actually outperformed non-disadvantaged pupils nationally. This meant they attained on average a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and Maths, a strong pass, significantly altering future opportunities.
Download our free report to discover more about:
- Our definition of persistent disadvantage and the research we have completed in partnership with the Education Policy Institute (EPI), into the impact of this lasting disadvantage.
- The schools that have found a way for their pupils to overcome persistent disadvantage. We hear from the headteachers and school leaders who explain how they are leading their schools to buck the trend.
- Our recommendations for government based on the research and discussions with leading schools. As well as our own commitments to help tackle the issue of persistent disadvantage.
Explore the campaign behind this research
Find out how Teach First is working with schools, ambassadors and government to close the gap by 2040.
Ready to take action?
Discover how you can help in this mission.
Help rewrite the future for children facing persistent disadvantage.