White working class pupils in England have been “failed” by decades of neglect in the education system, according to a report released by the Education Select Committee in 2021. Even more alarming, this trend highlights the widespread, serious plight of white working-class boys. Those in receipt of free school meals are hit particularly hard, as they constitute one of the groups least likely to progress into post-16 education.
Statistics tell a harsh story. Just 36 percent of our most disadvantaged white British boys achieved the expected standard in GCSE maths and English. This juxtaposition stands in sharp contrast to 65 percent of all students meeting these milestones. This is a troubling disparity that highlights the systemic barriers and discriminatory practices that have long harmed this demographic.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged these issues, stating, “It shouldn’t be controversial to say we need to do better by white working class children – it’s obvious.” She spoke about the pressing need for more focused reforms to improve academic opportunities and results for these kids. In doing so she made them a priority constituency within her department.
The government’s plan to level up this educational disadvantage is by carrying out reforms set out in the Schools White Paper. Phillipson expressed that it is the mission of the government to “cut the link between background and success, halving the disadvantage gap for this generation.” A spokesperson for the Department for Education reiterated this commitment, saying, “It’s this government’s mission to cut the link between background and success, halving the disadvantage gap for this generation, so that every child has the opportunity to achieve and thrive.”
Conservative backbencher Charlie Dewhirst, MP for Bridlington and The Wolds, is calling on the government to act. He is specifically asking for them to develop a plan that targets increasing social mobility for young white lads in deprived areas. Dewhirst remarked, “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.” He went on to mention that these children, especially boys, are some of the lowest achievers at GCSE. In fact, their overall performance has eroded since the start of the pandemic.
The Education Select Committee’s report highlights the lack of immediate national action needed to bridge these disparities. Most importantly, it lifts the lid on how decades of neglect have built the perfect storm most affecting white working class pupils. As reforms take shape in response to these findings, stakeholders hope to see significant improvements in educational outcomes for this vulnerable group.
