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Educational Outcomes: Disadvantaged Boys and Young Men
03 February 2026
Lead MP
Alistair Strathern
Hitchin
Lab
Responding Minister
Olivia Bailey
Tags
NHSEmployment
Word Count: 4740
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Alistair Strathern raised concerns about educational outcomes: disadvantaged boys and young men in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon Member asks the Government to set out its own plan and strategy to treat this priority with the urgency it deserves, particularly exploring where socioeconomic factors along with gender are holding back young men and boys across education.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Centre for Social Justice highlighted that boys constitute the entirety of the gap to Government’s target of readiness for school. At GCSE level, men achieve on average half a grade lower than their female counterparts, while at A-level, men will often achieve a grade and a half lower on average. Boys’ Impact found that only 30% of boys on average seem to be making a good level of progress compared with 88% of girls not eligible for free school meals.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
About 90% of children in higher-income households can get a dyslexia diagnosis when needed, compared to only 43% in lower-income households. The hon Member agrees that not identifying neurodiversity has a huge impact on education outcomes for disadvantaged young boys.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
On average, disadvantaged boys are already behind in vocabulary and communication by the time they start school. The hon Member agrees on an urgent need for a targeted UK-wide speech, language, and communication strategy focused on disadvantaged boys.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Highlighted the issue of 2.5 million children in the UK growing up without a father figure and the stark outcomes faced by boys compared to girls in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the need for more role models.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
Highlights that too many boys leaving schools in his area leave without a clear vocational route into decent jobs. The hon Member believes the industrial and skills strategies should be place-based, with apprenticeships funding and employer-college partnerships.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Draws attention to the particular challenge faced by disadvantaged young men, especially Protestant males who do not achieve in Northern Ireland. The hon Member suggests working together with the regional Administration to address this matter.
Jodie Gosling
Lab
Nuneaton
Shares her experience as a primary school teacher and forest school leader, highlighting improvements in concentration, behaviour, attainment, and attendance among disengaged boys through outdoor activities. Asks the Minister about reconsidering the learning environment to better meet emotional and physical needs. Emphasised the importance of physical activity and the armed forces scheme that provides opportunities for young boys who have dropped out of school.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
Points out that behind every percentage point drop in educational achievement for Staffordshire boys, there is a young man whose life and future opportunities are being narrowed. Asks the Minister about targeted support for disadvantaged boys. Argued for early support for disadvantaged boys to avoid discounting them with behavioural problems.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
Paid tribute to Chris Edwards and Peter Beeching at Brighton Hill community school for their GOAT Boys scheme aimed at ensuring every child has a trusted adult outside their family. Talked about the GOAT Boys scheme as an example of work happening in the country.
Tiverton and Minehead
In Somerset, 7.5% of young men aged 16 and 17 are not in education, employment or training, which is significantly above the national average in England. The hon Member highlights the profound impact of growing up without educational infrastructure and networks.
Government Response
Olivia Bailey
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education
Government Response
Gratefully acknowledges the debate on supporting boys' success in education, recognising the importance of strength-based relational work as highlighted by Football Beyond Borders and Boys’ Impact. Commends the lead MP's efforts to launch a group focusing on men and boys. Discussed inequalities in the education system, aiming for 75% of children to start school ready by 2028, and highlighted plans for a National Year of Reading with £28 million committed. Emphasised recruitment of more male teachers and mental health support teams in schools. Mentioned investment in NEET prevention package and youth guarantee.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.