24 August 2023 , 21:15
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Every child, regardless of their background or where they live, deserves the best possible education. But this year’s GCSE results show a widening divide between different parts of the country.
Students in London were 50% more likely to achieve a Level 7/A Grade than those in the North East and the Midlands. A child born in Newcastle has just as much potential as one born in Newham. What holds them back is not a lack of talent or application but Government failure to address inequalities at the heart of society.
There is detailed research showing the link between attainment and poverty. When children are going hungry at school it is no surprise this affects their ability to study. The Tories have also refused to provide funds to help pupils hit by Covid, releasing just a third of the budget recommended. If they were serious about levelling up they would have invested in schools, teachers and education in every part of Britain. Instead they have overseen a growing divide where a child’s future is decided by geography and not by aptitude.
Rule breaker
Rishi Sunak has been forced to apologise for failing to declare his wife’s shares in a childcare company. It’s not the first time the PM has struggled to comply with the rules. He was fined for attending a party during lockdown, received a financial penalty for not wearing a seatbelt and was admonished for having his dog off its lead in a London park.
One minor offence would be understandable but there is a pattern of behaviour that suggests Sunak has an arrogant disregard for regulations he expects the rest of us to follow.
Nursery apologises after child with Down's syndrome ‘treated less favourably’
Strip hooray
Nike scored an own goal when it refused to sell Mary Earps replica shirts. The sports brand has now had a change of heart after being torn off a strip by fans. It’s another great result for England’s No 1.