Children who are taught well during their first year of primary school are likely to earn more than their peers in later life, a study has shown.

Pupils in the most effective reception classes can expect to earn between £2,000 and £7,500 more on average than their peers, research by Durham University and the Department for Education suggests.

The study estimates that the top 2.5% reception classes of 27 pupils could add between £50,000 and £200,000 to the UK economy – the equivalent of around £4,400 per pupil.

Research by Durham University has previously shown that children who were taught well in their first year of primary school go on to achieve better GCSE results in English and maths.

The latest report – titled The economic benefits of effective Reception classes in England – suggests future earnings are influenced by teachers when children are as young as four.

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