Call for Evidence

Terms of reference 

The Committee is inviting submissions on the following questions:

• The extent of underachievement for white pupils who are eligible for FSM (free school meals), and how well the DfE’s statistics (including Progress 8 measures) capture that
• The variation within the cohort of white pupils who are eligible for FSM (including regional variation, and variation between the five specific ethnic groups that sit under the broad ‘White’ category), and how well the DfE’s statistics capture that
• The principal factors that contribute to this underachievement, with reference to:

• The availability and quality of early years provision
• The role of place (reflecting regional variations)
• The home learning environment
• The impact of role models

• The effects of COVID-19 on this group
• The impacts of this underachievement, both for individuals and for communities
• Priorities for the Government in terms of tackling this issue, with reference to:

• The value of locally-tailored solutions, including youth groups and community organisations
• The school system