Poorer white pupils in England have been failed by schools

White working-class pupils have been failed by England’s education system for years, according to a new report from MPs. The Education Select Committee says the use of terms such as “white privilege” can be “divisive” and might have contributed to the ‘neglect’ of white students in schools. The committee also found that 47% of white British pupils who qualify for free school meals had not achieved the expected level of development by the end of their early years foundation stage. Committee chairman Robert Halfon has accused the government of “muddled thinking” and sweeping the problem under the carpet but ministers insist the government is focused on ensuring “no child is left behind”.