Education Secretary Highlights Persistent Inequality in English Schools
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has warned of persistent inequalities in England’s education system as students prepare for A-level results. Phillipson highlighted regional disparities and achievement gaps between state and private school students, citing 14 years of Conservative governance. She called for systemic reforms, including reducing child poverty and potentially reinstating maintenance grants to support financially disadvantaged students.
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has expressed concern over the enduring inequalities in England’s education system, as thousands of students await their A-level results.
Following 14 years under Conservative rule, Phillipson pointed out significant gaps in achievement between students in different regions and between state and private schools.
Notable was an 8 percentage point disparity in A*-A grades between the south-east and north-east regions last year.
Phillipson emphasized the need for systemic reforms, promising better support for schools and actions to reduce child poverty.
She did not rule out reinstating maintenance grants for poorer students, citing financial pressures as a barrier to higher education.
Experts believe the north-south attainment gap and the outperformance of privately educated students will persist.
The Association of School and College Leaders also called for a national strategy to alleviate child poverty and highlighted a decline in enrollment for creative arts and technology subjects since the introduction of the English Baccalaureate in 2011.
Following 14 years under Conservative rule, Phillipson pointed out significant gaps in achievement between students in different regions and between state and private schools.
Notable was an 8 percentage point disparity in A*-A grades between the south-east and north-east regions last year.
Phillipson emphasized the need for systemic reforms, promising better support for schools and actions to reduce child poverty.
She did not rule out reinstating maintenance grants for poorer students, citing financial pressures as a barrier to higher education.
Experts believe the north-south attainment gap and the outperformance of privately educated students will persist.
The Association of School and College Leaders also called for a national strategy to alleviate child poverty and highlighted a decline in enrollment for creative arts and technology subjects since the introduction of the English Baccalaureate in 2011.