Poverty attainment gap in Falkirk schools ‘still wide’ but steadily closing

Poverty attainment gap in Falkirk schools ‘still wide’ but steadily closing

The ‘attainment gap’ that sees poorer children achieve lower academic results than their better-off peers in Falkirk is gradually narrowing, although it remains substantial. In the 2021/2022 academic year, the gap was recorded at 27.15 percentage points, which decreased to 17.79 percentage points in 2022/2023. It is projected to further decrease by another percentage point in the most recent data expected to be released in March. The Scrutiny Committee of Falkirk Council received this information in their annual standards and quality report.

A particular focus on literacy in schools with higher levels of deprivation has been instrumental in driving this positive change. The Scottish Government’s Strategic Equity Fund provides financial support to address the poverty-related attainment gap, with Falkirk using the funding to concentrate on improving literacy. Scott Lavery, the quality improvement manager, stated that the additional staff hired through the fund have had a “really positive impact on improving outcomes.” Plans are underway to expand this project to include numeracy in the upcoming year.

Furthermore, data reveals a positive trend in school leavers progressing to ‘positive destinations’ such as work, training or education. The percentage of school leavers in these positive destinations increased from 94.2% to 95.4%. Additionally, 85.5% of Falkirk pupils advanced to higher education, surpassing the national average of 81%, a statistic that Provost Robert Bissett commended as “excellent.” The council is committed to maintaining and further elevating these high standards, with the forthcoming figures expected to demonstrate continued improvement.

Director of education, Jon Reid, expressed optimism about the future, describing the progress as “really good news for Falkirk and for Falkirk’s young people.”

Insights:
The initiative in Falkirk to address the poverty attainment gap through a targeted focus on literacy and numeracy is yielding positive results, showcasing the impact of dedicated efforts in education. By strategically allocating resources and support to schools in areas of higher deprivation, educational outcomes can be improved for all students, bridging the gap between different socioeconomic backgrounds. The commitment to sustaining these advancements and expanding initiatives to encompass additional subjects highlights a proactive approach towards ensuring equal opportunities for all students in Falkirk.

In conclusion, the ongoing progress in narrowing the attainment gap in Falkirk schools is a testament to the effectiveness of tailored interventions and collaborative efforts between stakeholders. By prioritising literacy and numeracy support and fostering a culture of educational excellence, Falkirk is paving the way for inclusive and equitable education outcomes for its students.