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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 the government is committed to providing a world-class
education system for all.</p><p>The latest data shows that, while girls continue to
outperform boys across most headline measures, the gender gap between boys and girls
is narrowing.</p><p>At key stage 2 in 2022/23, the gender gap between boys and girls
at the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics has decreased since 2022
and is the lowest it has been since 2016. Key stage 4 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, published in March 2022, was clear about
the direction of travel needed to improve attainment. It set out the department’s
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 with the overall core school budget totalling
over £59.6 billion in 2024/25 which is 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>The department is aware
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 the department
has provided additional 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 2 million children,
the Holiday Activities and Food programme, and support for up to 2,700 breakfast clubs
also support disadvantaged pupils.</p><p>The department continues 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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