- An independent inquiry has concluded that the education system in England is "not set up to serve white working-class children and families," identifying them as the lowest-performing large demographic in the school system.
- The inquiry, commissioned by Star Academies and supported by the Department for Education, highlights a "white working-class disadvantage gap," noting that only 36% of white British pupils on free school meals achieve a Grade 4 or above in English and Maths GCSE, significantly lower than their non-free school meal peers.
- Co-chairs Baroness Estelle Morris and Sir Hamid Patel stated that these issues cannot be attributed to low aspiration or lack of effort, and cannot be resolved by schools alone, emphasising a disconnect between how families and the education system define success.
- The report found that many white working-class families prioritise the social experience of school and vocational options like apprenticeships, while the education system often focuses on academic progression to higher education.
- Among its 24 recommendations, the inquiry calls for significant reforms including more early-years support, improved mental health services, restrictions on smartphone use in schools, extended free childcare for disadvantaged families, and a substantial expansion of apprenticeship opportunities.
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