The Sutton Trust comments on latest IFS report

“Today’s useful research from the IFS gives further weight to our own findings on the long-term impact of the pandemic on children. It is clear that these months of disruption to young people’s education will have repercussions for many years to come.

“The IFS is absolutely right to call for substantially more education funding to address the major issues coming out of this crisis. But it is absolutely crucial that this is targeted towards disadvantaged pupils who have been the worst hit by the pandemic. We know the attainment gap will widen as a result of school closures, limiting social mobility chances for a generation of young people. As a start, the pupil premium should be boosted this year to help schools catch up, through allocating an additional £400 to every low income student. And it should be a given that every youngster has access to a digital device and a good internet connection while classrooms are closed.”