The gap in GCSE grades between disadvantaged pupils and their peers is the widest in a decade after this summer’s results in England, with school leaders predicting spending cuts will make matters worse.
The figures published by the Department for Education showed disadvantaged pupils – mainly those eligible for free school meals – had GCSE results on average half a grade lower than children from better-off backgrounds, the widest gap since 2011-12. The gap for children with special education needs was an even wider, averaging three-quarters of a grade lower.
The DfE said the widening gap “may reflect the difficult circumstances that many pupils will have experienced over the last few academic years”, through disruption caused by the pandemic.
