The Department for Education has published its provisional key stage 4 school performance data this morning.
It shows stark gaps between disadvantaged pupils and their wealthier peers, with ministers saying the widening “may reflect” the impact of the pandemic.
Sir Peter Lampl, founder of the Sutton Trust, said the government needs to “step up to the challenge immediately”, adding: “There is no time to lose.”
The government urged caution when comparing results over time, because of exams being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 as well as the changes to grade boundaries this year.
