Reducing the gap in attainment between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has proved to be a stubborn problem. A recent report by the Education Policy Institute suggests that if the current pace of progress is maintained it will take 100 years to completely close the gap.
Chris Mathews, outgoing commissioner for education improvement and efficiency at Shropshire County Council, admits it is not something his authority has cracked yet.
"We have the aspiration, ambition and the commitment just like every other local authority in the West Midlands and beyond," he says. "The issue is we do not have the resources."
Capacity to intervene
Reduced funding for both local authorities and schools - and less capacity for councils to intervene to address inadequate provision and co-ordinate school improvement efforts - has made narrowing the gap more difficult for everyone, he maintains.
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