It's time to close the educational divide

14 June 2011 2 mins read Heath Monk Education

Today, a 14-year-old child from the poorest background will be, on average, two years academically behind their peers from the most affluent areas - and the figures don't stop there. Around seven out of 10 of the poorest children still leave school without good GCSEs, and an independent schools pupil is 25 times more likely to get into a good university compared with poorer state pupils.

I find it shocking that in 2011, the UK has a wider educational attainment gap between rich and poor than in almost any other country in the developed world. School leaders, teachers and support staff can have a major impact in helping to close this gaping educational divide.

I firmly believe that inequality in attainment is not inevitable and that with the right action the attainment gap can be closed. Obviously a number of factors affect social mobility, but getting an equal start in the education system increases pupils’ opportunities and significantly improves their life chances.

Research has found that effective and inspirational school leadership is arguably the biggest driver of school improvement and improved pupil attainment:

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