A recent report by the Education Select Committee has revealed that white working-class pupils in England have been “failed” by decades of neglect within the education system. This shocking discovery illustrates the trauma these students endure. In reality, it is white working-class boys who do the worst, who therefore go on to be the least likely to pursue sustained education beyond 16.
The 2021 report shared an all too familiar statistic. It reveals that only 36% of white British boys on free school meals reached the national standard in GCSE maths and English. This stands in stark contrast to 65% of all students meeting those standards. These numbers highlight the critical need for more focused, structural support for white working-class students.
Charlie Dewhirst, Member of Parliament for Bridlington and The Wolds, has raised concerns regarding the government’s approach to the education of white working-class pupils. Yet he continued to argue that a long-term, coordinated approach is needed to boost social mobility for young white guys from the most deprived areas.
“I’ve been looking into the statistics and, in recent years, white working class boys have been underachieving versus other demographic groups, whether that’s in education, employment or poorer health outcomes.” – Charlie Dewhirst
We know that the Department for Education are making moves to rectify this. Their goal is to sever the link between where you come from and how well you do. The new government is deeply committed to closing the disadvantage gap within the lifetime of this generation. Their goal is for each child to reach for their dreams and flourish. The Schools White Paper sets out a series of proposed reforms to level up these disparities.
And, as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson reminded the Downing Street summit, the time for improvement is now. She argued that fighting for better futures for white working-class kids shouldn’t be a radical idea. She blasted past administrations for not stepping up to the plate on this issue.
“It shouldn’t be controversial to say we need to do better by white working class children – it’s obvious.” – Bridget Phillipson
Dewhirst pointed out that, particularly since the pandemic, white working-class boys have experienced worsening average attainment levels at GCSE, while improvements have been seen in other demographic groups. In his opening remarks he urged the government to take urgent action to counter these educational inequities.
“These children, especially boys, have amongst the lowest attainment at GCSE and, since the pandemic, their average attainment has got worse, while for many other groups it has improved.” – Charlie Dewhirst
The Education Select Committee’s report too, calls for a comprehensive and targeted strategy with an alarming urgency. This strategy is designed to address the educational disadvantage experienced by white working-class students. Yet the government is pressing full steam ahead with its reforms. The most important measure of their success will be making sure that all kids have a fair shot at reaching their full potential.
