In the UK today, 31 per cent of our children – 4.5 million – are trapped in poverty. That means nine pupils in an average class of 30 have been let down.
Wealth is a significant predictor of how well children get on in school. By GCSE level, poorer pupils attain on average 19 months behind their wealthier peers. We also know that some children are more likely to be affected by poverty than others, such as Black children and those with SEND.
This cannot be right, which is why we are campaigning for an education system where every child can thrive, and no child is left behind.