Politics · United Kingdom · 1 hr ago
Poor white British pupils have England’s lowest GCSE results among major ethnic groups
An inquiry into education in England found that white British pupils on free school meals have the lowest GCSE results among major ethnic groups.
Only 36% achieve at least grade 4 in English and maths, compared with 85% of Chinese heritage pupils on free school meals.
The inquiry examined 1.25 million young people in England who receive free school meals, the government’s marker of deprivation.
It also found that 38% of white working-class pupils are persistently absent, compared with 19% of pupils overall.
Many also feel less supported by school, and fewer white working-class sixth formers see university as part of success than their middle-class peers.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell backs the inquiry and says pupils are held back by factors including family income and where they live.
The inquiry’s next phase will seek practical solutions, including smoother transitions into primary school and clearer routes to qualifications and jobs.
White British pupils receiving free school meals have the lowest GCSE results among the major ethnic groups in England, according to data from an independent inquiry.
About 36 per cent achieve at least grade 4 in both English and maths, compared with 85 per cent of Chinese heritage pupils receiving free school meals.
The inquiry also found that 38 per cent of white working-class pupils are persistently absent, compared with 19 per cent overall.
Backed by Education Secretary Lucy Powell, the inquiry is moving to a second phase focused on practical solutions.
- Who
- White British pupils living in deprivation, measured by receipt of free school meals.
- What
- They have the lowest GCSE results among major ethnic groups in England. About 36 per cent achieve at least grade 4 in English and maths.
- When
- The report was published on 11 November 2026.
- Where
- England.
- Why
- The inquiry is examining educational outcomes for white working-class pupils and considering practical solutions.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The inquiry published the findings of its first phase.
The inquiry announced its second phase, which will consider practical solutions.
- White British pupils on free school meals
- 36 per cent achieve at least grade 4 in English and maths
- Chinese heritage pupils on free school meals
- 85 per cent achieve at least grade 4 in English and maths
- Persistent absence
- 38 per cent among white working-class pupils; 19 per cent overall
- Inquiry scope
- 1.25 million white British young people in England receiving free school meals
What people are saying
These children are being held back by things outside their control, like their postcode, and how much their parents earn. But critically, they don't think education has anything to offer them and they don't enjoy school when they are there.
Our report on white working class educational achievement clearly highlighted the extent of the challenge and the consequences of failing to do anything about it.