A new report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has highlighted a troubling trend in England’s education system: the gap between the academic performance of pupils from affluent backgrounds and those from lower-income households is growing wider. While some progress was made in the wake of the Covid pandemic, the EPI’s findings indicate that the disadvantage gap has expanded at every educational stage, particularly impacting early education.
A Concerning Trend
The report, published on 14 July 2026, underscores a significant disparity in educational outcomes. The EPI found that children eligible for free school meals—an indicator of economic disadvantage—are now 17% less likely to achieve academic success in their early years compared to their more privileged peers, a deterioration from pre-pandemic levels.
Despite initial signs of recovery in some phases of education, the situation has regressed, with particularly alarming statistics at Key Stage 4, where students prepare for their GCSEs. By this stage, disadvantaged pupils are, on average, 19 months behind their wealthier classmates.
For students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the findings are equally concerning. Although some attainment gaps have narrowed for older age groups, those with education, health, and care plans are experiencing unprecedented levels of disadvantage.
Regional Disparities
Interestingly, the report reveals a regional divide in educational outcomes. While disadvantaged pupils in London are outperforming their counterparts in other regions, the gulf between affluent and less fortunate students has grown most pronounced in the South-East and South-West of England. This suggests that geographical factors play a crucial role in educational equity.
Julie McCulloch, chief executive of the EPI, described the widening gap as a “scourge on our society” and called for the government to intensify its efforts to bridge this divide. She welcomed the administration’s target to halve the disadvantage gap by the time the current generation of children complete their secondary education but emphasised the need for a more rigorous approach to achieve this goal.
Recommendations for Change
In response to these worrying findings, the EPI has made several recommendations aimed at addressing the imbalance. Among these is the proposal to broaden access to free funded childcare for all children, which could help level the playing field from an early age. Additionally, the EPI advocates for increased funding for schools based on the number of students eligible for free school meals, ensuring that those institutions can provide the necessary support.
The National Education Union’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the current testing framework often sets students from disadvantaged backgrounds up to fail. He called for an overhaul of primary assessments and a more diverse range of evaluation methods in secondary education, suggesting this could help all students reach their full potential.
The Local Government Association has also weighed in, calling for additional investment in the SEND workforce and a review of eligibility criteria for funded childcare hours, to ensure that children from lower-income families do not miss out on vital early education opportunities.
A Vision for the Future
In a recent speech, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson spoke of the need to pave the way toward a “bolder future” that encompasses universal early years education. This vision aims to ensure that no disadvantaged child is left behind, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their circumstances.
Why it Matters
The widening disadvantage gap in education is more than just a statistic; it reflects deep-seated inequalities within society that can have lasting implications on future generations. As the EPI and various educational leaders call for urgent action, it is clear that addressing these disparities is not only a matter of educational policy but a moral imperative. Ensuring that every child has access to quality education is essential for fostering a fair and just society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
