UK exams results show growing gap between private, state schools

The gap in top grades between private and state schools in the United Kingdom (UK) has widened this year, an educational charity reported this week, as indicated by the results of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and A-level exams, reported Xinhua.

The Sutton Trust released an analysis on Thursday, the same day that the GCSE results were announced, highlighting the increased disparity in top grades between private and state schools.

According to the report, independent schools saw a greater increase in the percentage of grades at A level or higher, compared to grades in academies and comprehensives. The gap between the two types of schools therefore widened from 28.2 percentage points last year to 29 percentage points this year.

"This reflects a broader pattern of widening gaps between the most and least well-off young people since the pandemic and cost of living crisis," said Peter Lampl, founder of the Sutton Trust, who described the situation as "concerning."

The disparity between the two types of schools was also evident in top grades achieved at A-levels.

In an analysis released after A-level results day last week, the educational charity said this gap "has continued to widen since 2019."

This year, A*/A grades at independent schools rose by 4.5 percentage points from 2019, while at comprehensives the increase was 2.2 percentage points, and at academies, it was 2.5 percentage points.

The Sutton Trust also highlighted "stubborn" and "substantial" regional gaps in attainment across England, as shown by both exams, with London's top position in achieving higher grades remaining unchanged.

Lampl said "sustained investment in teaching, particularly in areas with lower attainment" is needed to close these gaps.

"Fulfilling your potential at school shouldn't be down to your postcode or how much your parents earn but sadly, this still has a major impact on attainment," said Chris Paterson, co-CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation.

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, GCSE exams mark students' completion of the Key Stage Four phase of secondary education, while A-level exams are school-leaving qualifications for students completing secondary or pre-university education.