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Bradford Council to launch review to improve disadvantaged boys' prospects
Overview
Bradford Council has voted to carry out a district-wide review to tackle underachievement among white working-class children, particularly boys, following concerns over GCSE results, attendance, and future prospects. The authority will work with schools, employers, and community groups to improve mentoring and apprenticeships, although councillors debated whether the focus should be specific to one group or address disadvantage across all backgrounds.
Key points
- Bradford Council voted to launch a district-wide review focusing on the underachievement of white working-class children, particularly boys.
- Research shows that only 35.9% of white British pupils on free school meals achieved grade 4 or above in English and maths in 2022/23, compared to 71.6% of pupils overall.
- Councillors discussed differing views, with some warning that focusing on a single group could cause unhealthy competition, while supporters argued it was not discriminatory.
- Wider West Yorkshire initiatives, such as the Lads at the Back project, have highlighted barriers including mental health difficulties, low motivation, and class factors.
- Council chiefs plan to write to the secretary of state for education to urge that tackling educational disadvantage be made a national priority.