A study by Social Market Foundation published on 17th of October 2024 explores a critical issue facing education today: the widening knowledge gap between students from privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds, and how this impacts their educational experiences and future opportunities. While education should serve as a bridge to opportunity, the study finds that it often reinforces inequality by failing to address key gaps in guidance, assumed knowledge, and career readiness. Read the study here.
One of the primary conclusions of the study is the “knowledge gap” that exists between students who are exposed to information about education and career pathways at home or in their social circles, and those who are not. Many students from disadvantaged backgrounds struggle with assumed knowledge—the basic information that is expected but often not explicitly taught. This includes how to apply for higher education, the importance of networking, and even simple but crucial skills like navigating different career pathways.
For students who don’t have this assumed knowledge, the system becomes exclusionary. They face an uphill battle, not just in acquiring academic content, but in understanding the broader ecosystem of education and work that others navigate with ease. The study reveals that 42% of disadvantaged students admitted they lacked guidance on career options, compared to only 18% of their wealthier peers.
While the government has invested in programmes to provide better guidance and support, the study suggests these efforts fall short. More needs to be done to ensure that every student has access to the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed—not just those from affluent or well-educated backgrounds.
The study also shines a spotlight on vocational education, which has been historically overlooked in favour of traditional academic pathways. For many students, particularly those struggling in mainstream educational systems, vocational training offers a viable and valuable alternative. Yet, these options are rarely discussed or made available, especially in schools that focus exclusively on academic performance. This lack of focus on vocational opportunities reinforces the idea that traditional academics are the only route to success, leaving many students without clear alternatives.
There’s a growing recognition of the importance of vocational education in preparing students for the future. But as the study points out, it’s not enough to simply add these options. Investment in awareness and dismantling the stigma around vocational training is necessary for this path to be seen as a legitimate alternative to university.
While governments around the world have made bold promises about improving access to education for all, the study reveals that the education system still faces challenges to meet the complex needs of today’s learners, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Although there are initiatives and policies in place, they often fail to reach the students who need them most.
Schools, already overburdened with large class sizes and limited resources, struggle to accommodate diverse learning styles, leaving students with SEND feeling excluded and unsupported. The study found that students with SEND are three times more likely to face permanent exclusion, highlighting a system that often punishes students for not fitting into a traditional mould.
One key finding of the study is that simply throwing money at the problem will not fix it. Innovation is needed to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education that meets their individual needs. This includes the use of technology to tailor learning experiences, provide more personalised support, and create flexible educational environments that accommodate diverse learners.
The study suggests that technology and adaptive learning platforms could be used to level the playing field, particularly for disadvantaged students who may struggle in traditional educational settings. However, for these tools to be truly effective, they need to be integrated into a broader strategy of inclusivity and equity.
How does this systemic issue affect students?
At the heart of these findings is the notion that the education system continues to fail many of its students, particularly those from marginalised groups. The study warns that if the system does not evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society, the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged will continue to widen. This gap doesn’t just affect individual students—it impacts society as a whole, as future generations miss out on the education and opportunities they need to thrive.
The study criticises the government’s lack of urgency in addressing these issues, noting that while policies may exist on paper, they are not being implemented in a way that creates tangible change for students. There’s a sense of disillusionment, as students who are eager to learn but don’t fit the traditional mould are often left behind or even punished for their struggles.
Purple Ruler: An Innovative Response to a System in Crisis
This study resonates deeply with the mission of Purple Ruler, where we recognise that education must be flexible, accessible, and tailored to each individual learner. Our online learning platform breaks the traditional mould, providing inclusive, personalised support for learners of all backgrounds and needs.
A key example of our work can be seen through the support we’ve provided to Oliver (name changed for privacy), a student from Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. Over the past year, Oliver, who lives with chronic fatigue and a functional neurological disorder, has been working with us to improve his English attainment level. Despite his challenges, we have tailored his learning experience to meet his needs, offering weekly one-on-one support.
Oliver’s success—evident in his 23% improvement in test scores—demonstrates how personalised learning can help students with SEND thrive in a flexible, inclusive environment. Our team, working closely with his Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) and the school, ensures that his supplementary lessons are both engaging and supportive, showing that with the right tailored tools and approach, no learner should be left behind.
As the study by Social Market Foundation shows, the challenges facing today’s education system are vast and complex, and they cannot be solved by money alone. What’s needed is a fundamental shift in how we think about education—one that prioritises inclusivity, adaptability, and the unique needs of each learner. At Purple Ruler, we are proud to be part of this shift, offering innovative solutions that can help all learners reach their full potential.
Ready to see how Purple Ruler can make a difference? We’re offering a free one-week trial, including up to 18 hours of online instruction tailored to your child’s needs. Contact us today!
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