Children and Young People's Service (CYPS - Lambeth Council

Key Stage 4: GCSE 5+A*-C grades
Achievement Gap: Mobile and Non-Mobile Pupils
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
M obile
Non-M obile
30%
20%
10 %
0%
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Achievement Gap of Pupils Eligible for Free School Meals
Social class differences have also been known to play a part in educational attainment. In the absence of relevant economic
and class data, eligibility for school meals is used as a proxy measure of poverty amongst pupils. In Lambeth 1 in 3 children of
school age (38.2%) live in families whose income is below 60% of the national median income. This is reflected in the
percentage of pupils who are eligible for free school meals. Whilst many BME children and families fall disproportionately into
this group, there are also White British children who are affected by poverty. Addressing the educational needs of pupils
eligible for free school meals will improve outcomes for White British children as well.
Disparity in attainment levels for pupils on free school meals is apparent at all KS levels. However, the gaps are narrowing as
shown for GCSE results below.
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