The latest figures in Wales show that key stage 4 is lagging behind in the effort to close the gap between students on FSM and their class mates, and Welsh education secretary Kirsty Williams says she is “determined” that this will change.
Recent figures from the Welsh government show that the performance of pupils eligible for FSM is improving for every indicator at every key stage, but that the gap in performance increases with each key stage level.
The gap has generally narrowed over the last four years at Foundation Phase and key stages 2 and 3, according to the Welsh government, but the “trend is inconsistent at key stage 4”.
The Welsh government reported: “The gap (at key stage 4) fell in 2016 but has alternated between periods of increase and periods of decrease since 2008.”
It added: “There is a strong link between achievement and the level of entitlement to free school meals in secondary schools: as the level of FSM entitlement increases, the level of achievement decreases.”
The Welsh government says it is investing more than £90 million in the Pupil Deprivation Grant, including doubling the support provided to disadvantaged pupils aged three and four. This could benefit around 15,000 pupils.
“I am determined that we continue to break the link between a child’s social background and how they do at school,” Ms Williams said.
“Improving the attainment of those on free school meals is not only good for those pupils individually, it also raises standards overall. That is why we are increasing investment in the Pupil Deprivation Grant that is making a real difference to the lives of children from less well-off communities.”
But she admitted Wales still has “a long way to go to make sure every child has a fair start in life and the same opportunity as others to succeed”.
The minister also thanked teachers, parents and pupils for their hard work on the issue so far.