Labour responds to Sutton Trust research on A-level results and student’s progression this summer

Stephen Morgan MP, Labour’s Shadow Schools Minister, responding to the Sutton Trust’s latest research on A-level results and student’s progression this summer, said:

“The Conservatives’ miserable failure to help children recover from the pandemic threatens to cast a long shadow over children’s opportunities and widen the already gaping attainment gap.

“Labour is ambitious and optimistic for young people. Where the Conservatives have wasted millions of pounds on failed projects, Labour would be delivering small group tutoring for all who need it, breakfast clubs and afterschool activities for every child and mental health support in all schools to create a level playing field for all students.

“Every student should be supported this summer to move onto the next phase of their lives, but the Conservatives are so distracted bickering among themselves they’re neglecting our children’s futures.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Sutton Trust has found that:
• • 72% of teachers think the attainment gap between poorer pupils and their classmates will widen
  • Just 19% of 16 – 19 yr olds have taken part in ‘catch-up’ tutoring
  • Almost half of teachers thought the extra measures put in place for this year’s exams didn’t go far enough.