House of Commons · Westminster Hall
24 June 2021 · 1 other contributor · 3,094 words
Opened by Robert Halfon Con Harlow
Responding minister: Not recorded
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Robert Halfon raised concerns about white working-class pupils in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The government must address the root causes of this underachievement by investing more resources into targeted support for these pupils, improving school funding, and ensuring better career guidance in schools to help them make informed choices about their futures. I urge the Minister to respond directly to the recommendations made in our report.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the persistent underachievement of White working-class pupils in England, as highlighted by my committee's report. The report finds that these students are more likely to leave school without basic qualifications and face worse outcomes in further education, employment and training than their peers. This is a serious social issue that undermines social mobility and perpetuates inequality.
I support the committee's work and emphasise the importance of addressing this issue, highlighting that White working-class pupils are often overlooked compared to other groups. I ask the Minister about plans for specific interventions in schools with high levels of underachievement among these students.