Commenting as the Department for Education (DfE) today (Tues 6
Sept) release the national
attainment data for Key Stage 2 SATs, Paul Whiteman, general
secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“As expected, today’s data shows a wider attainment gap between
advantaged and disadvantaged pupils. As the government themselves
suggest in their analysis, this is most likely a reflection of
the impact of the pandemic, the impact of which was felt more
greatly for disadvantaged families and children.
“It was recognised at the time that this would be the case, which
is why an ambitious educational recovery plan was proposed, which
the government refused to fund. The widened attainment gap we are
now seeing is a result of that decision.
“The government has let down this cohort by not investing in
their recovery. But it can still act now.
“Schools are currently under unprecedented financial pressure due
to the cost of living, which is forcing cuts to teaching and
support staff that directly impacts the most disadvantaged and
high needs pupils. The government cannot sit back and let this
second massive blow to disadvantaged pupils hit.
“In five years’ time these same students will be sitting their
GCSEs – only through proper investment in education can we expect
to see an improved picture then.”
