Reducing gaps in educational attainment across our region
Addressing educational inequality across our region: A call to action
Growing up in a disadvantaged postcode can restrict a child’s chances of doing well at school, of living a healthy and happy life, and of finding well-paid work as an adult. The causes of educational underachievement are complex, but poverty is a major factor.
In 2024, against a backdrop of post pandemic challenges and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, child poverty rates in Yorkshire and the Humber have increased significantly to the highest level in more than 20 years.There has never been a more important time to invest in young people, both for their own development and for the future growth of our region.
By focusing on breaking the cycle of poverty, together we can empower young people to achieve their ambitions and contribute positively to their communities.
The University of York is deeply committed to encouraging talented young people, regardless of background, to meet their full potential. With public good at its core, and a commitment to raising aspiration, we have a track record in supporting students to realise their ambitions and we see opening up the opportunity to go on to higher education as a key step in breaking this cycle.
York's access and outreach initiatives can help make this step change. And by working closely with teachers, advisers and other partners, we want to enthuse and inspire talented young people from all backgrounds about higher education and empower them to achieve their aspirations whatever they might be.
We cannot do this without your support.
A conveyor belt of disadvantage
These statistics highlight the disproportionate impact of poverty on children in the North, affecting their educational attainment and overall health. Urgent attention and targeted interventions are crucial to address this critical issue.
Children in the north
have a 27% chance of living in poverty compared to 20% in the rest of England.
Just 3.9% of York pupils eligible for free school meals
progress to high tariff institutions compared to 22.3% of their more affluent peers - the widest gap on record.
During the pandemic, approximately 34% of children
in the North were living in poverty, compared to 28% in the rest of England.
Northern schools are losing out
on hundreds of pounds of funding per pupil compared to those in London.
It’s critical that the UK starts to invest in all children and close the gap between children in the North and the rest of the country - investing early in children’s educational wellbeing pays off for the whole society, so this is an issue of cost effectiveness as well as social justice.
Professor Kate Pickett, University of York
Our commitment
The University of York, together with educational partners and our donor communities are committed to reducing these attainment gaps through sharing our knowledge and resources to develop innovative community-embedded learning centres.
We believe that, with support, every young person can achieve their chosen aspiration, whether that is further or higher education, employment or training. We are committed to helping them on that journey.
The Place
The Place is an inspirational community space in Westfield, south-west York, which supports 800 children and their families each year.
The centre provides an inspiring space for young people and their families to make their own, with a programme including academic and employability support, plus extracurricular activities to help narrow the education gap and to empower the community to realise their ambitions.
People talk about the hidden deprivation in York. It is not hidden, people just ignore it. We have bought beds for our children. When people hear this they are shocked- but this is happening today. This is happening in York.
Mrs Lamara Taylor, Headteacher Westfield Community Primary School
IntoUniversity and the University of York
We are committed to bridging the educational gaps prevalent in our region’s coastal communities. Together with national education charity IntoUniversity, the University of Hull and our donor communities, we are supporting three local learning centres in Hull, Bridlington and Grimsby.
With a focus on working with children and young people from seven upwards, the programme aims to close the higher education gap between the most and least advantaged communities in North Yorkshire and the East Riding coast. Join us in making a difference.
