Impact on education

National

• Lost education time has widened the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, particularly for children eligible for Free School Meals. (Rising Stars)
  
  
• Impact on KS4 remains unknown as national studies have focused on primary-aged pupils. (Coronavirus and higher education – ONS)
  
  
• Life satisfaction scores for students (5.8 out of 10) are statistically significantly lower than the adult population (7 out of 10) (ONS, 2021).

Staffordshire

• Lost education time likely to have detrimental effect on mental health of children and young people, as well as education attainment.
  
  
• The impact on KS4 is unknown, but with the lowest KS4 attainment (36.9) amongst peers, there is a risk of declining performance.
  
  
• The effects of wider inequalities and low levels of attainment will likely widen in key areas. (Cannock Chase, Newcastle, Tamworth). Already seen over 4,800 pupils becoming eligible for Free School Meals since the first COVID-19 lockdown.
  
  
• Growing number electively home educated - since September 2020 671 children have become EHE compared to 350 the year before (92% increase).