Responding to a new report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) which found that disadvantaged pupils have fallen further behind their peers since the pandemic,  Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union the NAHT said:

“It is a national tragedy that under the last government, in many cases, the attainment gap between the most and least disadvantaged children widened, further entrenching inequality.

“Teachers and school leaders work hard to support pupils, but they alone cannot address the deep-rooted causes of poverty, and its consequences, including the damage it does to children’s learning and their attendance at school. This was an issue even before the pandemic, exacerbated by the last government’s failure to invest enough in catch-up or vital support services, from social care and special educational needs, to mental health services.

“We welcome the new government’s commitment to helping everyone to succeed in life, regardless of their background, its recognition that the early years are a crucial time in children’s development, and its pledges to tackle child poverty. Schools stand ready to do whatever they can to support any efforts to break down the barriers which prevent pupils from flourishing and reaching their potential.”