About the authors

4 This publication includes analysis of the National Pupil Database (NPD) The Department for Education is responsible for the collation and management of the NPD and is the Data Controller of NPD data. [...] The use of the ONS statistical data in this work does not imply the endorsement of the ONS in relation to the interpretation or analysis of the statistical data. [...] There is a gap equivalent to almost three A level grades between the best three qualifications of disadvantaged students and their peers In terms of all the qualifications achieved between the end of secondary school and by the age of 19, the average disadvantaged student is the equivalent of around three A level grades behind their non-disadvantaged peers. [...] The lower prior attainment of disadvantaged students is the main factor behind the disadvantage attainment gap Eighty six per cent of the gap between the 16-19 attainment of disadvantaged and non- disadvantaged students can be explained by other differences in the characteristics of the two groups. [...] We investigated a variety of approaches to compare the size of this gap with the size of the gap at the end of secondary school.