While deprived pupils are more likely to reach expected attainment levels today than in the 1960s, they are still no closer to achieving the qualifications that will give them a competitive advantage in today’s labour market.
Researchers have found that despite progress in closing the attainment gap, the likelihood of disadvantaged students being among the high achievers has remained “consistently low” for the past 50 years.
They argue that if we are to tackle the social mobility crisis, more “drastic action” might be required, such as a “dramatic extension of the Pupil Premium”, to help disadvantaged pupils to achieve above the average.
Researchers from the Institute of Education in London and the University of Surrey analysed information on the educational attainment of English children born between 1958 and 2000.
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