Letters to the Editor: Use examples to benefit struggling pupils

It is extremely alarming that poor white children are performing badly at GCSE, as qualifications at 16 are crucial in gaining access to the best jobs (cypnow.co.uk, 18 June). Failure to improve outcomes for disadvantaged groups is holding back social mobility. However, the success of those with Asian backgrounds demonstrates that material deprivation need not be a barrier to attainment.

Research published in the Economic Journal in 2010 shows that some of the higher performance of ethnic minority groups in the run up to GCSEs occurs because these students are more likely to be on the margin of obtaining C grades, which are so important for school league tables. As a result, teachers have strong incentives to improve the performance of these pupils, with the implication that resources and energy directed at disadvantaged students can make a difference.