No change for a century – children’s backgrounds still predict the same educational outcomes

Educational opportunities have changed dramatically for children over the last century – schools have changed, and college and university admissions have grown. Or so we might think at least.

But according to a study out of the University of York, that is not the case. They analysed data from 92,000 students between 1921 and 2011 and they found that the achievement gap between those from impoverished backgrounds has remained stagnant over this 90-year period.

Part of the reason for this is this gap that already exists on entering school. This means that although there may be greater learning opportunities, they cannot take advantage of it.

Focusing on equal opportunities is therefore one thing, but ensuring that those who really need the support at critical times, seems to be much more important.

Reference:
Sophie von Stumm, Sophie Nicole Cave, Paul Wakeling. 
Persistent association between family socioeconomic status and primary school performance in Britain over 95 years. 
npj Science of Learning, 2022; 7 (1)
DOI: 10.1038/s41539-022-00120-3

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