The Forgotten

There is a group of students that has been underperforming and failing in schools for over two decades. Despite lots of good words, research, speeches including the Prime Minister there seems to be little progress in addressing the lack of attainment for this group of students.

Have you worked out who I am talking about?

If you have you will know that this group is white boys from low income families.

Yesterday this article was published https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/we-need-to-talk-about-white-low-income-pupils_uk_5a6f573be4b06e25326a5297 This is not new information yet every year the issue of lack of attainment and lack of engagement with education remains for white boys from low income families.

There are pressing needs why this issue needs to be tackled not least the lack of aspiration, ambition and action present in areas of our society that has the potential for increasing political and community tensions. Not only is the potential of these boys left unfulfilled but this can lead to alienation from society making them vulnerable to crime and radicalisation.

There are opportunities being created by events such as leaving the EU that can help us refocus what we are doing for this forgotten group. It is time for action not good words or more research.