Children whose families used food banks during the COVID pandemic did worse at their GCSEs than expected, according to a study.
On average they lost half a grade per subject compared to other pupils, according to a group of education experts.
They say grades were lower even after taking into account prior attainment and some aspects of household finances.
The research forms part of the COVID social mobility and opportunities (Cosmo) study which is investigating the short, medium and long-term impacts of the pandemic on educational inequality, wellbeing and social mobility.
The study, being led jointly by the University College London and the Sutton Trust, is tracking the lives of 13,000 young people in England who are due to sit A-levels and other qualifications this summer.
It has found that two out of five households reported they were in a worse financial situation than before the pandemic.
The project’s principal investigator Dr Jake Anders said: ‘The mental health and life chances of young people and their parents are being dramatically affected by post-pandemic cost-of-living pressures.
‘And these impacts are likely to be long-lasting, given the seeming link between food insecurity and performance in exams.’
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