William Eichler 07 June 2023

MPs warn of 'lost decade' for disadvantaged pupils

MPs warn of lost decade for disadvantaged pupils   image
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com.

The educational gap between disadvantaged pupils and others could take a decade to return to pre-pandemic levels, MPs warn.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) say that progress since 2012 to narrow the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and others had been reversed by 2022.

The Government expects it may take a decade to return this gap to the level at which it was before the pandemic.

The PAC also found that 13% of schools in England had not taken up the National Tutoring Programme, which is a key part of the Government’s education recovery programme.

It warned that schools may not be able to afford to provide tutoring once the Department for Education (DfE) reduces its subsidy rates.

Government support for tutoring is set to be reduced in 2023/24 and withdrawn completely in 2024/25.

Meg Hillier MP, chair of the committee, said: ‘The DfE does not seem to appreciate the pressures schools are under as they seek to help pupils catch up amid funding constraints, challenges in recruitment and retention for staff and growing mental health needs for pupils.

‘It is therefore essential that Government reckons with the reality of the situation and publishes focused plans on reducing the disadvantage gap and absence rates. It must also bolster uptake of tuition, an essential programme at risk of withering on the vine as subsidies are sharply reduced.’

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

YPSA Waking Night Support Worker cloned on 06-10-25 14

Oxfordshire County Council
£31537 - £34434
Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we’re committed to delivering lasting ch Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Personal Adviser

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£37,280-£41,771
We are seeking a passionate and skilled Connexions Personal Adviser to join our team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner