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<p>Raising attainment for all pupils, no matter their gender or background is at the
heart of this government’s agenda, and we are committed to providing a world-class
education system for all.</p><p>The latest data show that, while girls continue to
outperform boys across most headline measures, the gender gap between boys and girls
is narrowing.</p><p>At KS2 in 2022/23, the gender gap between boys and girls at the
expected standard in reading, writing and maths has decreased since 2021/22 and is
the lowest it has been since 2016/17. KS4 results show the gender gap has narrowed
across all headline measures when comparing 2022/23 with both 2018/19 and 2021/22.</p><p>The
Schools White Paper (March 2022) was clear about the direction of travel needed to
improve attainment. It set out our long-term vision for a school system that helps
every child to fulfil their potential by ensuring that they receive the right support,
in the right place, at the right time – founded on achieving world-class literacy
and numeracy.</p><p>This is supported by significant investment in education. Next
year, including the recently announced funding for pension contributions, overall
school funding is increasing by £2.9 billion compared to 2023-24, taking the total
to £60.7 billion in 2024-25 – the highest ever level in real terms per pupil. This
will help schools in their vital work to close attainment gaps, and level up educational
opportunities.</p><p>Alongside this, the department takes a range of steps to improve
attainment and outcomes for all pupils, including improving the quality of teaching
and curriculum resources, strengthening the school system, increasing attendance,
and providing targeted support where needed.</p><p>We know that disadvantaged pupils
and those with additional needs are more likely to fall behind and need extra support
to reach their full potential. This is why we provide additional funding as part of
schools’ overall funding to support disadvantaged pupils through the pupil premium,
which will rise to over £2.9 billion in 2024-25, an increase of £80 million from 2023-24.</p><p>Programmes
such as Free School Meals that support over 2 million children, the Holiday Activities
and Food programme (HAF), and support for up to 2,700 breakfast clubs also support
disadvantaged pupils.</p><p>We also continue to collaborate with other government
departments to address out-of-school factors that we know have a significant impact
on attainment outcomes.</p><p> </p>
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