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Tackling Bristol’s educational inequality crisis
The shocking extent of the divide in educational opportunities for young people living in different areas of Bristol has been revealed in a new report.
Research by the University of Bristol highlights stark differences between progression rates for children growing up in disadvantaged parts of the city, compared to more affluent neighbourhoods.
It found that less than one in ten young people (8.6 per cent) in Hartcliffe go on to higher education, compared to 100 per cent in Clifton.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol’s deep inequalities are well documented and the Runnymede report, published in January 2017, painted a particularly damning picture of a divided city, where ethnic minorities experience greater disadvantage in education and employment than in the rest of England and Wales.
Research found that less than one in ten young people (8.6 per cent) in Hartcliffe go on to higher education
While the educational attainment gap has long been known and debated, researchers say there has been a tendency to attribute it to individual schools. They say a collective effort is needed to address the systemic factors that are exacerbating what they describe as an “educational inequality crisis”.
“Bristol is considered to be a prosperous city with an educational system that on average performs well,” said Professor Rosamund Sutherland, who led the research in the School of Education at the University of Bristol.
“In reality, Bristol has more areas categorised as being in the most deprived 10 per cent in England than other cities in the country, with stark differences in educational opportunities for young people depending on where they live.
“Addressing these inequalities is a collective responsibility; everyone has a role to play, from the local authority to schools, further education colleges and universities.
“Our research has clearly shown that a combination of structural factors are working against the most disadvantaged students in Bristol. Now these barriers have been identified, we need to urgently start addressing them.”
According to the research, one of the main barriers facing young people in the city’s most disadvantaged areas – largely in the south, east and north west – is that the vast majority of secondary schools located in these areas do not offer A-level or BTEC qualifications, which are required for university entry.
Post-16 centres and colleges are concentrated in limited geographical areas, resulting in a lack of choice for young people, while a lack of decent public transport exacerbates the situation.
Children from the more disadvantaged areas are also less likely to receive good advice about access to higher education and related careers, according to the study.
Researchers analysed data, carried out surveys and spoke to focus groups to identify barriers and possible solutions. They also looked at two schemes which target disadvantaged areas – the South Bristol Youth Ambitions Programme and the Future Quest programme.
Statistics from the Office for Students indicate that many young people from the low participation wards are achieving the GCSE grades that are expected for admission to higher education, yet do not progress.
For example, the GCSE results for young people in Hengrove suggest that 22.2 per cent could continue into higher education and yet only 14.2 per cent of pupils do so.
Recommendations include the establishment of an educational partnership board, improved transport links and collective action from educational establishments, businesses and Bristol City Council.
Schools and stakeholders from across the city will convene at City Hall on Tuesday, October 9, from 5.30pm – 8pm, to discuss the recommendations at open forum, organised by the University of Bristol, UWE Bristol, South Bristol Youth and Future Quest.
The event is free, but attendees are asked to register via: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reversing-the-educational-inequality-crisis-in-bristol-tickets-49381266698?ref=elink
Read more: While Bristol’s economy booms, the gap between rich and poor widens
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