Best Practice

Bridging the achievement gap

English
Closing the achievement gap is a challenge every school faces. After an inspiring trip to schools in New Orleans, Jackie Bowen explains how she developed new approaches once back in the UK.

As a new teacher I was stunned to learn the extent of the achievement gap that existed between pupils from more affluent backgrounds and those in receipt of free school meals. 

I was determined to look at ways to change the statistics to ensure every pupil could flourish regardless of which “group” they belonged to whether: White working class boys, SEN students, or those who belonged to a minority ethnic group.

Last year I was lucky enough to be part of an exchange programme to New Orleans with Teaching Leaders and the British Council to look at ways to improve achievement, attainment and aspirations for all students. 

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