Liberal Democrat Councillor, Charity Trustee and Campaigner Learn more
by Jackie Porter on 12 December, 2014
The BBC tells us that poorer pupils are doing better at school, although you have to scroll through a load of text and graphics before they squeeze in as an afterthought that the Pupil Premium championed by Nick Clegg was responsible for the success.
Two-thirds of pupils (67%) on free school meals gained a Level 4 in reading, writing and maths this year – up four percentage points on 2013.This compares with 83% for non-disadvantaged pupils, reducing the attainment gap to 16 percentage points.
The data is based on tests taken by 11-year-olds in 16,000 school
Schools Minister David Laws said it was “encouraging to see the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers continue to narrow and parents, teachers and pupils deserve to be congratulated for their efforts”.
He added: “But we know there is more to do and there are still too many areas with simply unacceptable levels of attainment for disadvantaged pupils.”
There are some really tough things about being in Government, but when you look at things like this, giving disadvantaged kids extra help so that they can have better opportunities in life, it makes it all worthwhile.
1 Comment
Great that the gap for primary school children is closing and that the pupil premium for Looked After Children has been increased. Looking forward to seeing that gap close also. We are excited at Entrepreneurs for Good about our new programme that we believe will improve outcomes for children in care.