Figures show poorest boys in England still let down by school system

Government figures show that just 52.6% of 11-year old boys on free school meals (which is a key indicator of poverty) obtained level four in English and maths, which is the expected standard of children in their last year of primary school. At this level, children are able to write proper English sentences with commas and tackle basic mental arithmetic in maths. 55.8% of pupils (boys and girls) on free school meals obtained level four, compared to 77.1% from wealthier homes. This is the same as last year. With 50.1% reaching level four in both subjects, white boys from poor homes are the furthest behind, followed by poor black boys (56.4%), poor boys from mixed backgrounds (57.6%), poor Asian boys (62.9%) and poor Chinese boys (66.1%). School minister Nick Gibbs said that the figures were unacceptable and that the poorest boys were being let down by the education system. In 2018, the number of pupils in primary schools in England is expected to reach 4.5 million, an increase from 3.96 million right now.

Reaction on article

I think it is a bad thing that just 52.6% of these boys reach level four. I am wondering if this is a mistake from the government because they do not spend enough money on education, or if there is no good control at the education system. Probably these boys do not study enough, which according to me, is the responsibility of their parents. But I also think teachers can have influence on that. I hope these figures will improve soon.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/dec/09/poorest-boys-english-maths-sats