Story perspectives

Education Leaders Warn of Neglecting White Working-Class Girls

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Education leaders in England say white working-class girls are neglected in efforts to tackle underachievement.
Since 2019, low-income white British girls' pass rate in GCSE English and maths fell 6.4%, with 38% attaining the standard in 2025.
Tom Campbell, chief executive of E-ACT, expressed concern about this decline.
The Department for Education (DfE) aims to improve outcomes for these children through funding reforms.
The government plans initiatives to support disadvantaged families.

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Story summary

Education leaders in England say white working-class girls are neglected in efforts to tackle underachievement.
Since 2019, low-income white British girls' pass rate in GCSE English and maths fell 6.4%, with 38% attaining the standard in 2025.
Tom Campbell, chief executive of E-ACT, expressed concern about this decline.
The Department for Education (DfE) aims to improve outcomes for these children through funding reforms.
The government plans initiatives to support disadvantaged families.