Disadvantaged Clever Teens Half As Likely As Their Richer Classmates To Study A-Levels

Clever, poor teenagers are almost half as likely as their richer classmates to study, and get good grades, in the A-level subjects that will help them gain places at the UK’s top universities, a study shows.

They are also much less likely to get three A-levels in any courses.

Research suggests that going to a decent nursery, reading for pleasure, attending an outstanding school, taking part in school trips and doing homework every day can boost a disadvantaged pupil’s chances of getting good results.

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Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust which commissioned the report, said: “The fact that bright disadvantaged students fall so far behind when they reach their A-levels shows that government and schools urgently need to do more to support able students from less advantaged homes.

“We must ensure that access to the best schools and opportunities for academic enrichment outside school are available to all students. It is also vital that schools advise their students on the right subject choices at GCSE and A-level so as to maximise their potential.”

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