Free school meal pupils face widening attainment gap, report warns

Disadvantaged pupils in England are experiencing a widening attainment gap compared to their classmates, according to new analysis from the Education Policy Institute (EPI). The research highlights that children eligible for free school meals are increasingly falling behind their peers, raising serious concerns about educational inequality and social mobility across the country. The findings come as the new government takes office, with the EPI urging the prime minister to prioritise closing the disadvantage gap with "laser-like focus". The report suggests that without targeted intervention and policy reform, the gulf between the most disadvantaged pupils and their peers will continue to grow, undermining efforts to ensure every child achieves their potential regardless of background. For local authorities and school leaders, the data reinforces the urgency of directing resources toward supporting vulnerable learners and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent disadvantaged pupils from thriving academically. Cabinet members will need to consider how local education partnerships can respond to these national trends whilst awaiting potential new policy direction from Westminster.