Poor white boys are out-classed

Submitted by: Steadfast Trust correspondent, 12th Dec 08

For "white" read English

Poor white British boys are out-performed at GCSE level by every other ethnic group and by girls, according to official figure out today.
The expected standard of five A to C grades, including English and maths, was achieved by only 16 per cent of white boys entitled to free school meals this year.

This was well below the national average for all students of 48 per cent. In contrast, 62.5 per cent of boys from wealthier backgrounds were successful.

Across all ethnic groups, 20 per cent of poorer boys achieved the standard. More than half of poor Chinese boys (56 per cent) reached the target, as did 32 per cent of poor Asian boys and a quarter of poor black boys.

Schools minister Jim Knight said the key was creating aspiration among people from poorer backgrounds.
'Of course we have got to be concerned about any group that's under-performing against the national average,' he added.
'In groups doing really well, their culture and values are family and education.'

The wealth gap continued when it came to girls, with only 27 per cent who got free school meals achieving five A to C grades including English and maths, against 55.5 per cent who did not qualify for free meals.

The statistics from the Department for Children, Schools and Families were described as 'totally unacceptable' last night.

Christine Blower, head of the National Union of Teachers, said: 'Poverty can never be used as an excuse but the stark fact is that it is the reason for low achievement among many white working-class young people'.

Chris Keates, of the NASUWT, said: 'Schools are working hard to raise parental aspirations.'

Conservative schools spokesman Nick Gibb said poorer pupils were held back by 'a culture of low expectations and a lack of rigour'. 'It is deeply worrying that the gap between disadvantaged and better-off boys just keeps growing,' he added.

By Miles Erwin.

'It is deeply disturbing that the white British (who of course are by far the ethnic English) are struggling to achieve. While poverty is a clear handicap, there is no reason why other ethnic groups similarly disadvantaged should progress so much further. While family background and values play an important role, it is hoped that English boys are not being disadvantaged by an educational curriculum that undermines their sense of identity as well as confidence, and ignored by the teaching establishment due to them being a part of a silent ethnic majority.'

Steadfast Trust Trustee
Julien Crighton