Lower Class White Kids at a Distinct Disadvantage?

It has hit the news today that low earning families with caucasian backgrounds have been falling through the cracks for decades regarding education. The question is, why?

The Education Committee has released new documentation showing the averages of children across the board who are eligible for free school meals and their performances.

Where it Stands

As you can see from the chart above, White British pupils are ranked only above children of Travellers of Irish heritage and Gypsy/Roma pupils. These percentages reflect Travellers and Gypsys’ culture as the culture lends to less time in schools.

Percentage of 4 to 5-year olds meeting Development Goals in 2018/19:

Chinese pupils: 67%

Indian pupils: 66%

Black African pupils:64%

Black Caribbean pupils:61%

White British pupils:53%

White Irish:49%

Gypsy/Roma: 33%

Irish Traveller: 29%

The national average for all FSM-eligible pupils was 55%.

Attainment 8 scores in 2018/19

Chinese pupils: 57.9

Indian pupils: 48.2

Black African pupils: 42.3

pupils from any other white background: 39

Black Caribbean pupils: 34.1

White British pupils: 31.8

Irish Traveller pupils: 22.2

Gypsy/Roma pupils: 16.9

The national average for all FSM-eligible pupils was 34.9

Access to higher education:(by age 19 in 2018/19)

Chinese pupils 72.8

Black African pupils 59.0%

Other white pupils 37.2%

Black Caribbean 31.8%

White British pupils 16.0%

The information gathered here is from the education committee and can be accessed here.

A Clear Discrepancy

There is a 14% difference between the highest-ranking and White lower-class children in the 4–5 year range. While this may not seem to be a considerable amount, it is what begins the momentum of a much larger issue.

If you look at the results of 19-year-olds with access to higher education, the divide has become massive — a whopping 56.8% difference.

The question, though, is what we can do about it?

The Education Committee lists multiple reasons as to why lower-income white children are at a disadvantage. Such as generational disadvantage, area, family experience, and several others.

It is worth noting that the above issues have links across the board of all low-income families and not just children from a white background. It is also relevant to understand that white children are the majority of pupils and not a minority.

What to do?

The following is a quote from the summary report the Education Committee released.

‘To tackle this, the Department for Education must first acknowledge the extent of the problem and recognise that its current approach is not working. What is needed now is a tailored approach, with targeted recommendations.’

No Child Left Behind

We must start working harder to protect our children — all children of all backgrounds and races.

Looking at the above data alone paints a bleak picture. As noted earlier, the number of young adults missing out on higher education is staggering. If we can nip this in the bud with a drive of early education intervention and intense localised help in deprived areas, I think the country would see a mass improvement across the board.

This improvement would be seen in education and a reduction in crime, drugs, and violence. Many of the children come from the most impoverished backgrounds and communities that are laden with higher crime levels and violence. It is a basic fact that well-educated adults tend to be better serving members of society.

A child can only hold on to hope for so long. How long does it take to give up and fall back into the culture that they were born? They say it takes a village to raise a child. Let our country be our village and stop those children from slipping through the cracks and have a brighter future.

Race Shouldn’t Matter.

The data is shocking. It’s as simple as that. I know that it is a racial minefield when we begin to pick apart minorities and majorities. But the statistics are there in black and white, with all the charts to go with them.

It’s a shame we even have to look at the colour of a child’s skin concerning their education. Unfortunately, however, that is the reality where we live.

As far as capability goes, there is zero difference between races or cultures regarding education. Excluding children with additional needs, there is no reason why all children can not excel in school.

While I understand and applaud the efforts fought every day for equality, it is appalling to see these numbers. While I refuse to entertain rhetoric on which side has it better, I will argue that all children are equal. Every child is dependant on those older and wiser to protect and to guide them. Unfortunately, those affected by circumstance and birth who need outside assistance must receive it regardless of race or culture.

Please feel free to check out the links below to the Educational Committee’s website, with the full report available here.

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