Yet if this is to succeed, then we must also focus on restoring social mobility. We have one of the poorest rates of social mobility in the developed world, ranking 21st on the Global Social Mobility Index. By the age of 11, only 51 per cent of our disadvantaged pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, compared with 71 per cent of all other pupils. Disadvantaged pupils are 16 months behind their better-off peers. Only 25 per cent of disadvantaged pupils get a good pass in GCSE English or maths — half that of their more prosperous peers.

Source: The Times August 01, 2021 23:01 UTC