Deprived British White Boys Score Worse Grades than Other Ethnic Groups

Added by Annika L. Krugel on December 28, 2010

White boys from poor British families are recording a much worse performance in school than are those from other ethnic groups, a recent study suggests.

According to a new analysis of government data, published by the Conservatives, only some 23 per cent of those white male pupils who are, at the age of 16, eligible for free school meals achieve five GCSE exams at grade C or better.

In comparison, 61 per cent of the poorest Chinese boys; 42 per cent of the poorest Asian boys; and 34 per cent of the poorest black boys achieved the target grade last year.

Across the UK, 34 per cent of all other poor students, and 55 per cent of students overall, managed to achieve the target of five good grades, which is considered a benchmark for further study and employment.

Conservative MP for Burton and Uttoxeter, Andrew Griffiths, said the results indicate “a shocking indictment of Labour’s record on education” He also claimed that they showed how Labour has neglected students from poor backgrounds, and he added: “The Coalition Government’s pupil premium will help address the problem directly, with additional funds following children from deprived backgrounds.”