Powell launches inquiry to boost white working-class education

One in four pupils disengaged as GCSE pass rates remain low

Only 36% of white working-class children pass English and maths GCSEs at age 16. A quarter of these children report that they rarely or never enjoy school.

Persistent absence rates for white working-class children are 75% higher in secondary school than in primary school.

Independent inquiry moves to second phase of research

This follows a year-long review that analysed education data for 1.25 million white British young people in England who are in receipt of free school meals.

The inquiry previously noted that the actual level of disadvantage is likely to be substantially larger than the data suggests. This is because the initial data did not include low-income families not receiving free school meals, though eligibility has since expanded to all families receiving Universal Credit.

She emphasised that improving outcomes requires action from across society rather than just schools.

Government plans to restore Key Stage 3 as a distinct phase

This initiative intends to stop the practice of schools starting GCSE specifications early for large cohorts. Some schools begin this teaching as early as Year 7.

The first three years of secondary school have previously been treated mainly as preparation for GCSEs. The government is implementing a curriculum overhaul to re-engage pupils during these early secondary school years. Under the new plans, Key Stage 3 will incorporate practical skills, financial know-how, and sport. A new enrichment framework is being introduced to help schools provide richer experiences, such as practical experiments and debate.

The government is developing a new national curriculum to be published later this year.

Milburn review highlights link between early years and NEET status

NEET refers to those not in education, employment, or training. There are currently nearly one million young people in England classified as NEET.

Alan Milburn is expected to release a final report containing his recommendations for addressing the NEET issue in the coming weeks.

New technical routes and community collaboration for teenagers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans during the summer to establish new technical routes for students in England starting at age 14.

This follows an inquiry report that identified specific problems at these transition points.

National curriculum review to set higher expectations for core skills

This commitment aims to help students build secure knowledge foundations and develop confidence without lowering academic expectations. Improving the early secondary school experience is intended to transform the educational trajectories of students at high risk of disengagement.

A new National Curriculum, developed by subject experts, is scheduled for publication later this year with the aim of reducing overcrowded content and improving sequencing. The government is setting higher expectations for core skills including oracy, reading fluency, reading for pleasure, and numeracy. These will be taught alongside subjects such as drama, PE, music, modern foreign languages, and technical and digital skills.

Learning beyond the classroom is identified as a central factor in improving school attendance and engagement. Public First Global provided the data concerning the International Baccalaureate.