The UK government has announced its intention to halve the educational attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers by the time children born during the current parliamentary term complete secondary school. This ambitious goal is expected to be detailed in a new Schools White Paper, set for release on Monday morning.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that the proposed reforms aim to dismantle the “one-size-fits-all system” that has historically hindered the success of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative seeks to ensure equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their circumstances.
The reforms are anticipated to include significant changes to the support systems for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These alterations will require backing from Labour MPs to be viable. Phillipson stated, “These reforms are a golden opportunity to cut the link between background and success – one that we must seize.” She further described the forthcoming Schools White Paper as a “blueprint for opportunity for the next generation.”
In terms of funding, the government plans to reform how resources are allocated to schools, specifically targeting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This approach aims to eliminate the achievement gap between the wealthiest and poorest students in England.
Changes to SEND Support
Significant changes are expected regarding the rights of children with SEND as they progress through the education system. Leaks suggest that children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) will undergo reassessment after primary school starting in 2029. This shift is part of a broader overhaul intended to streamline support for these students.
The proposed system will also extend legal rights to include all children with SEND through school-led Individual Support Plans (ISPs). Under this new framework, every child identified as having special educational needs, including those without an existing EHCP, will have an ISP developed by their school, which will carry some legal weight.
Concerns have emerged from parents regarding these reforms. Hannah Luxford, whose teenage son has anxiety, described the current system as “unhelpful, adversarial, and complex,” making it difficult for families to navigate. Luxford managed to secure an EHCP for her son after an arduous 18-month process. She expressed concern for the legal rights of families already benefiting from EHCPs under the new proposals, stating, “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago.”
The need for reform is underscored by insights from Luke Sibieta of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. He pointed out that the current educational landscape is characterized by escalating numbers of EHCPs and rising costs, yet there is no corresponding improvement in quality for the children who need it most. “Unfortunately, we still have a system that is characterised by conflict and really patchy levels of quality,” he remarked.
Current State of the Attainment Gap
Data from the Department for Education (DfE) reveals that the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students currently stands at 3.92, a notable increase from figures recorded in previous years. This gap had previously narrowed to 3.66 in 2019/20 but began to widen again in the post-pandemic period. The 2022/2023 academic year saw the gap reach its highest level in a decade at 3.94.
These statistics highlight the pressing need for the government to implement effective measures to address educational inequalities. As the publication of the Schools White Paper approaches, stakeholders across the education sector are keenly awaiting details on how these reforms might reshape the educational landscape in England.
