ASCL responds to NFER report on post-Covid learning gap

Commenting on a report from the National Foundation for Educational Research, which shows that young pupils are recovering from missed learning during the Covid pandemic but that the disadvantage gap persists, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“Teachers and leaders have worked incredibly hard to support pupils with their learning following the disruption of the pandemic. It’s clear that events over the last few years, including the cost-of-living crisis, have taken a major toll on children and young people, with those living in poverty the most severely impacted. Although they are doing everything they can to help all children succeed, primary schools are particularly poorly funded and the disadvantage gap will continue to persist unless there is significant, targeted intervention. Schools need adequate funding that properly reflects the varying levels of disadvantage in different communities, but there must also be a renewed effort by the government to end the scandal of almost 30% of children in the UK living in poverty.”