New research finds that the educational attainment gap between persistently disadvantaged pupils and their peers has got worse, increasing to an average of over 2 full years of learning by the end of secondary.

The Education Policy Institute has examined the progress made in closing the gap in educational attainment between disadvantaged pupils and their peers and found that based on current trends it will take 50 years before an equitable education system is reached in England.

The report Closing the Gap also considers how the gap varies in different parts of the country.  It acknowledges the government’s 12 Opportunity Areas, but believes there are other areas – such as Darlington, Rossendale and Boston - which have sizeable and more importantly, growing gaps which should be receiving extra support.  

According to the report, other areas showing considerable gaps are the Isle of Wight, Derby, Cumbria, Knowsley, South Gloucestershire, Northumberland and Dudley.

The report concludes that the current system is delivering change far too slowly, failing to meet the educational needs of all pupils.

The Education Policy Institute describes itself as an independent, impartial and evidence-based research institute that aims to promote high quality education outcomes, regardless of social background.