NEWS: White Working-Class Pupils Least Engaged in Secondary School

White pupils from low-income families begin secondary school less motivated and engaged than their peers, a study has found, highlighting growing concerns over white working-class underachievement

As reported by The Guardian, white pupils from low-income families in England begin secondary school with significantly lower levels of motivation and engagement than their peers from other ethnic backgrounds, new research suggests.

The study, conducted by Professor John Jerrim of University College London’s Social Research Institute, found that both boys and girls from poorer white families show weak levels of enthusiasm from Year 7 onwards. While girls were less likely to enjoy school, boys were less inclined to put effort into their studies.

Only half of low-income white pupils said they worked hard at school – far below the roughly 70% of disadvantaged pupils of South Asian heritage who reported doing so.

Researchers assessed engagement using questionnaires completed by pupils at more than 120 schools. The surveys asked students to respond to statements such as “I don’t feel bored at school” and “What I learn at school will help me in the future.”

The study also found that pupil engagement tends to decline over time across most ethnic groups. Among other findings, Black pupils reported poorer relationships with teachers compared with their peers.

Prof Jerrim said the results highlight a persistent challenge for policymakers, especially as raising attainment among white working-class children remains a priority.

Last month, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the “lack of progress” for this group as “particularly concerning”, promising that the forthcoming Schools White Paper will set out measures to address the issue.