Tackling educational inequality should be ‘at heart’ of government agenda, says Teach First

Teach First has called on the new government to put tackling educational equality at the heart of its plans to ‘build a better Britain’.

Referencing Prime Minister Thera May’s comments that those at state schools are less likely to reach the top professions, the charity warns that without a focus on education in areas of the country being left behind, thousands of young people risk losing out.

Speaking ahead of Teach First’s Impact Conference, Founder and CEO Brett Wigdortz called on the new Prime Minister to focus on those being left without the opportunities they deserve.

The 4,000 teachers, social entrepreneurs, policy makers and business leaders attending the Impact Conference will debate and discuss how to the new government can work with teachers, charities and business to ensure no child falls through the gaps between education, employment or training.

Wigdortz said: “Educational inequality is a slow burning injustice that goes unnoticed, but threatens the very fabric and foundations of a fair society. The fact that a child from a poorer background is less likely to succeed at school and life is totally at odds with a British sense of fair play. We need to invest in the communities and young people that have been left behind if we are to build a better Britain.

“The expanded remit of the Department for Education is a positive and welcome step, enabling support from cradle to career. Every one of us now needs to step up to play our role and make education the number one national priority in the post Referendum world.

“I’m proud that Teach First has now provided over 10,000 talented individuals who have worked to improve education in low income communities. We know we now need to increase our focus on areas left behind, and I’m pleased we’re growing our presence in communities facing the greatest educational challenge.”