'Written off' children are top priority

THE Education Secretary has pledged to tackle the “thorny” generational challenge of British white working-class young people falling behind their peers as she called it her “priority” for the year ahead.

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Bridget Phillipson has said it is a “national disgrace” that so many young people are “written off” and do not get what they need in the education system to achieve and thrive after leaving school.

Speaking before A-level results day on Thursday, Ms Phillipson said her focus will be turning around the “stark” attainment gap and outcomes between white working-class children and their peers.

The UK Government will set out its plans for the challenge in a schools white paper in the autumn, she said.