Schools
Research Shows Disadvantage Gap 'Locks In' by Age 11
Published June 11, 2026
Research published by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) and the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has shed new light on the persistent attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. The study reveals that lower prior attainment serves as the largest single contributor to this gap, with almost half of the disadvantage gap becoming 'locked in' by age 11.
The findings point to the crucial role of primary education in determining long-term outcomes. With the gap solidifying before the move to secondary school, the research suggests that targeted support and early intervention strategies during Key Stages 1 and 2 are essential to preventing entrenched educational inequality. This has significant implications for how local authorities and schools allocate resources to ensure vulnerable learners receive the support necessary to progress equitably through the education system.
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