Attainment gap
Councils are addressing persistent attainment gaps for disadvantaged and specific ethnic minority pupils, despite overall high academic achievement.
In March 2026, Richmond upon Thames' Education and Children's Services Committee noted a widening attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils, despite the borough's overall high academic results, with schools ranking first nationwide for phonics and Key Stage 2 core subjects in 2024-25. Barnet Council's research, also in March 2026, identified a significant attainment gap for Black Caribbean and mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils from early years, even as overall attainment for disadvantaged pupils improved.
To address these disparities, Barnet Council is set to host a conference in July 2026, aimed at improving educational outcomes for Black pupils. The attainment gap refers to the difference in academic achievement between different groups of pupils, often related to socioeconomic background, and remains a focus for councils aiming to ensure equitable educational outcomes.
Key facts
- Richmond's attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils widened in March 2026. Source
- Richmond schools ranked first nationwide for phonics and Key Stage 2 core subjects in 2024-25. Source
- Barnet Council identified a significant attainment gap for Black Caribbean pupils in March 2026. Source
- Barnet Council is hosting a conference in July 2026 to address the attainment gap for Black pupils. Source
- Overall attainment for disadvantaged pupils in Barnet is improving and surpasses the national average. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.