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<p>Improving social mobility remains a critical challenge for our country. It is a
challenge that my department is taking significant strides to overcome.</p><p> </p><p>Since
2010, 1.9 million more children are in good and outstanding schools and more disadvantaged
pupils are going to university. The attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and
their peers has reduced by 10% since 2011.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, we are proud
to have expanded apprenticeships and to have supported more disadvantaged students
into higher education. This will help to boost productivity and to expand opportunities.</p><p>
</p><p>Our plans to make further progress include spending £72 million on 12 Opportunity
Areas. As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, mentioned in his speech in
July this year, taking action on the home learning environment is also crucial so
that children do not fall behind before they start school. That is why he announced
plans for a summit with the National Literacy Trust and major businesses in order
to find new ways to halve the number of children starting primary school without the
necessary literacy skills by 2028.</p>
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