Inquiry launched into white working-class educational outcomes

A new inquiry into the educational outcomes of white working-class pupils has named a high-profile panel of experts from across education policy, politics and school leadership.

The Independent Inquiry into White Working-Class Educational Outcomes will be co-chaired by chief executive of Star Academies Sir Hamid Patel and former education secretary baroness Estelle Morris. The panel includes baroness Nicky Morgan, a former education secretary, baroness Sally Morgan, a former Downing Street adviser, and the Department for Education’s (DfE) current school standards adviser Sir Kevan Collins.

The inquiry was commissioned by Star Academies and is supported by research and policy consultancy Public First, which will serve as its secretariat.

Other members of the inquiry board include:

• James Bowen, assistant general secretary, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT)
  

• Anne-Marie Canning, chief executive, the Brilliant Club
  

• Dame Sally Coates, director of secondary education, United Learning
  

• Professor Rob Coe, director of research and development, Evidence Based Education
  

• Steve Crocker, non-executive board member, DfE
  

• Leora Cruddas, chief executive, Confederation of School Trusts
  

• Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary, Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL)
  

• Lucy Heller, chief executive, Ark
  

• David Hughes, chief executive, Association of Colleges
  

• Professor Lindsay Macmillan, founding director, UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities
  

• Dame Lesley Powell, chief executive, North East Learning Trust
  

The inquiry aims to investigate the factors contributing to persistent underperformance among white working-class pupils and will examine what is – and is not – working in schools and communities. It will gather views from teachers, leaders, families and young people.

Its research programme will include data analysis, polling, focus groups and immersive work with stakeholders, as well as expert testimony and case studies of best practice. Findings will inform recommendations for reform and intervention.

A second phase focused on implementation is being considered, subject to the findings and their publication next year.

Patel said: “I’m delighted to welcome such a highly respected group of experts to the inquiry board. Together, we will take a fresh, evidence-led look at the persistent challenges facing white working-class pupils and work towards practical solutions that can make a lasting difference.”

Morris added: “I very much welcome this inquiry and am delighted to be part of it. Underachievement in groups of white working-class young people has been a problem for far too long, wasting talent and reducing opportunity. I hope that our work can contribute to some of the solutions.”

Richard Oldfield, chair of the Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust, concluded: “We are proud to support this important inquiry into the educational outcomes of white working-class pupils. Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in school, regardless of their background.”