Commenting as the Department for Education (DfE) today (Tues 6 Sept) release the national attainment data for Key Stage 2 SATs, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“As expected, today’s data shows a wider attainment gap between advantaged and disadvantaged pupils. As the government themselves suggest in their analysis, this is most likely a reflection of the impact of the pandemic, the impact of which was felt more greatly for disadvantaged families and children.

“It was recognised at the time that this would be the case, which is why an ambitious educational recovery plan was proposed, which the government refused to fund. The widened attainment gap we are now seeing is a result of that decision.

“The government has let down this cohort by not investing in their recovery. But it can still act now.

“Schools are currently under unprecedented financial pressure due to the cost of living, which is forcing cuts to teaching and support staff that directly impacts the most disadvantaged and high needs pupils. The government cannot sit back and let this second massive blow to disadvantaged pupils hit.

“In five years’ time these same students will be sitting their GCSEs – only through proper investment in education can we expect to see an improved picture then.”