Tuition and hobbies helping richer children

Children from wealthier families gain a “substantial advantage” from tuition and extra-curricular activities, say researchers.

Lessons in dancing, sport and languages give children “another edge”, says the Sutton Trust education charity.

Almost one in four young people have extra tuition, but it is least likely to be available among poor families.

“Inequalities in education do not stop after the school bell has sounded,” said researcher Conor Ryan.

The study found that the richest families are much more likely to pay for extra lessons than the poorest – and the Sutton Trust wants poorer families to be given vouchers for tutors and after-school hobbies.

It suggests that part of the pupil premium, that is targeted at supporting poorer pupils, could be diverted to funding tuition.

Read the full article on the BBC website here (written by Judith Burns).

The story was also covered in the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror.