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Privacy Policy | Contact | Cookie Policy | Charity No. 1017853
© all rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Contact | Cookie Policy | Charity No. 1017853
Education is one of the most powerful drivers of social mobility, yet too many talented young people are held back by circumstances beyond their control. The Sutton Trust’s Lost Potential at 16 report (June 2023) shows that students with the same academic starting point can follow dramatically different paths depending on their background. This is not only an issue of fairness – it represents a profound loss for society. When potential goes unrealised, we lose future innovators, creators, and leaders.
The inequalities faced by disadvantaged high attainers are stark:
16% are young carers, far more likely to shoulder responsibilities beyond their years.
They are four times more likely to live in a single-parent household.
They are less than half as likely to have a parent with a degree.
Despite strong academic performance, 21% believe “people like me don’t have much of a chance in life” – double the rate of their more advantaged peers.
The attainment gap begins early. Disadvantaged children start school already 4.6 months behind, widening to 9.3 months by the end of primary school and 18.1 months by Year 11. Without intervention, these gaps become barriers to opportunity. Your support can change this trajectory and ensure that talented young people have the chance to thrive.