Gov's 'Failure' to Support White Working-Class Students, Says Phillipson

The Education Secretary's Concerns About White Working-Class Students

The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has raised concerns about the performance of white working-class students in the UK. She emphasized that these students are not receiving the support they need to succeed academically and professionally. As GCSE results day approaches, she highlighted that four-fifths of children from white working-class backgrounds struggle with basic English and maths skills.

This issue is having a significant impact on the country’s productivity and economy. In 2024, only 19% of white British, working-class children achieved a strong pass in both maths and English GCSEs. This trend has been consistent since 2017, raising serious concerns about the long-term implications for society.

Phillipson expressed her dismay at the situation, stating that it is not just the future of these children that is at stake but also the health of the nation as a whole. She pointed out that many individuals are losing out on opportunities due to a lack of essential skills, which affects the overall productivity of the workforce.

Challenges Faced by Disadvantaged Students

Fewer than one in five white British children on free school meals leave school with the necessary maths and English skills to succeed in work and life. This data has remained largely unchanged since 2017, indicating a persistent problem that needs urgent attention.

A study from the Institute for Government (IfG) suggests that ethnicity may play a role in how poverty affects educational attainment. The think tank noted that disadvantaged white pupils have particularly poor educational outcomes, especially in Year 6 Sats. Official data revealed that only 3% of British white pupils from low-income families attend top universities, making them one of the least successful groups in terms of higher education access.

Phillipson described the situation as a "national disgrace," emphasizing that many white working-class children are being overlooked and failing to reach their potential. The IfG report referenced previous research highlighting that this demographic is overrepresented in rural and coastal areas, where there are issues such as lower funding, higher teacher vacancies, longer travel times, and worse digital infrastructure.

Factors Influencing Educational Outcomes

The report also pointed out that factors from children's home environments, such as varying aspirations among parents from different ethnic backgrounds, likely play a role in educational outcomes. It examined councils in England and identified the "bottom fifth" for performance of disadvantaged pupils. The findings showed that the majority of these councils had above-average shares of white children within their population of disadvantaged pupils.

Nationally, 67% of disadvantaged primary school pupils are white. The think tank stressed that tackling high absence rates—particularly among disadvantaged pupils—will be key to narrowing educational inequalities.

Government Response and Future Plans

A Department for Education spokesman stated that addressing the deep-rooted inequalities in the education system will take time. However, the government is taking action through its Plan for Change, which includes efforts to address the root causes holding young people back. Initiatives such as the expert-led Curriculum and Assessment Review, new RISE teams, and strengthened school accountability are part of the strategy to raise standards for every child.

The government is also working to tackle disadvantage by expanding free school meals, rolling out free breakfast clubs, and revitalizing family services in every local authority. More reforms are planned through the Schools White Paper later this year, aiming to create an education system where every child can thrive regardless of their background.