White working-class children ‘failed by schools system’
The investigation found a growing belief among white working-class families that the current education system does not guarantee future success.
Baroness Morris, who served as education minister in Tony Blair’s Labor government from 2001 to 2002, said no initiatives introduced in the last 30 years had significantly or sustainably improved the performance of white working-class children at school.
He said there is a disconnect between what children and their parents want in terms of careers and what their schools can offer them.
While the system generally emphasizes academic progression to higher education, the research said many families place greater emphasis on the social experience of school and would like to see better quality vocational options, such as apprenticeships, in their area.
The inquiry calls for sweeping changes, from more support in the early years to improved mental health support and restrictions on smartphone use in schools.
It makes 24 recommendations, including:
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Free access to local public transport for all young people up to the age of 21, improving access to education, training and employment
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Providing 30 hours of free childcare service not only to working families but also to all disadvantaged families
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Making primary school reading fluency a national priority for white working-class children
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Significantly expand apprenticeships so that all young people who want them have access to a tailored, high-quality apprenticeship.
The investigation noted that the transition to secondary education is a key moment when students may begin to disconnect from school.
It was the same for Stephen, who is now 16 but left school three years ago and spent the next three years without an education.
He said that if the system was more vocational then he could stay.
“I think schools need to do more practical work because, at least for me, the written work didn’t work,” he said.
“So if they engage in more practical work, that will help people who may not actually be able to complete school because it will help them learn real skills that are useful to them.”
Earlier this year he started a four-week course in Preston run by the charity Spear, which supports young people getting back into work or education and then mentors them for six months.
With their support, he pursues his dream of becoming a barber and starts his university course in September.
