Boys education ‘ignored by Government policy’, warns Ucas chief

Poor white boys are being ignored by education policy despite the gap in educational attainment increasing, the head of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has warned.

Mary Curnock Cook questioned whether the fight for equality in women’s education could have become so “normalised” that “the need to take positive action to secure equal education outcomes for boys” may not have been recognised.

Responding to Ms Curnock Cook’s comments, Dr Lee Elliot Major, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, said: “The poor academic performance of disadvantaged boys, especially those from white working class backgrounds, is a tragic waste of talent with a significant economic cost.

“If we are to make sure that every pupil, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or background, is able to reach their full potential, we need to redouble our efforts to close these attainment gaps. Not only should every child have access to great teaching and the chance to go to great schools, but students who are at particular risk of falling behind should be given additional encouragement and support.”

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