Pandemic Deepens Educational Inequality in the UK
A new study conducted in the United Kingdom has highlighted the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on students from low-income families. According to research by the Education Policy Institute (EPI), these students lag behind their wealthier peers by approximately 19 months by the time they reach the age of 16. The findings indicate that educational inequality has worsened significantly in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Another alarming trend is the decline in school attendance. Before the pandemic, 8% of primary school students were regularly absent, but this figure has now risen to 15%. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described Covid-19’s impact on children’s school attendance as "deep and severe," stressing that lockdown periods have had long-term negative effects on children's life opportunities.
Experts emphasise the need for further research to understand why children from low-income backgrounds struggle with regular school attendance. Factors such as housing instability, mental health issues, financial difficulties at home, and learning losses are seen as the main barriers preventing these students from attending school consistently.
Educators suggest that expanded support programmes and counselling services could help alleviate the problem. In the long run, experts advocate for comprehensive social policies to reduce educational inequality and create a more equitable learning environment.
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