Commenting on a new research published today (Thurs 25 May) from the COSMO (COVID Social Mobility and Opportunities) study by UCL and the Sutton Trust, showing the impact of financial insecurity on mental health and GCSE attainment, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

“This report mirrors what our members have been telling us – that there has been a significant increase both poverty and anxiety and mental health issues since the start of the pandemic.

“The cost-of-living crisis in particular has had a big impact on pupils and families. Poverty has increased and pressures on families have become much more significant.

“There is no doubt that living in poverty puts children and young people at a huge disadvantage. It damages children’s health and wellbeing, in turn affecting their ability to attend school regularly and to fully focus on learning. Pupils who arrive at school hungry, cold or tired are not ready to learn.

“It is frankly shameful that in one of the world’s richest countries, schools are having to set up foodbanks and warm hubs, offer use of showers and washing machines, and fundraise to extend free school meals – all things our members have told us they are having to do.

“The government needs to do far more to break down the barriers to pupil’s learning caused by poverty. Targeted measures like extending free school meals to all pupils in households in receipt of universal credit would make a real difference, but there are a wide range of factors that affect pupil outcomes that go well beyond the classroom, and support is needed for families beyond the school gates too.

“The government must urgently act to address the root causes of the scandal of rising child poverty, which is harming not only children’s education, but also their life chances.”