Responding to the findings of an independent inquiry which has concluded that the education system is not serving the interests of white working class children James Bowen, assistant general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, who was on the inquiry panel, said:

“The importance of this report cannot be overstated. It shines a spotlight on a group of children and young people that for too long have under-achieved in our education system.

“For perhaps the first time, we now not only have a better understanding of the root causes of that underachievement, but also a clear set of actions we can take at each stage of a child’s education, starting in the early years.

“This is not about quick wins or silver bullets, it's about a sustained and collective effort involving a wide range of agencies, schools, government and families.

“We now have a genuine opportunity to transform life chances for generations of children and a roadmap for how to achieve that.”

The Independent Inquiry into White Working Class Educational Outcomes was commissioned by Star Academies, funded by The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust, and conducted by Public First.