00:00New figures suggest the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their better-off classmates is
00:06widening again in the UK.
00:09The Education Policy Institute says the difference is now larger at every stage of school than
00:14before the pandemic.
00:15The report says the gap is especially clear in early education and by the time pupils
00:21reach GCSEs, it found disadvantaged students are on average 19 months behind their peers
00:27by key stage four.
00:28The government says it is expanding support, including childcare and free school meals
00:34provision.
00:35Education leaders say more action is needed to improve outcomes for children from lower
00:40income households and close the attainment gap over time.
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