I want to reassure you that wide-ranging action is being taken ensure that all children, regardless of their background, receive the best possible start in life.
 
Indeed, I am pleased that the educational attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and other pupils, as measured by the disadvantage gap index, is narrowing. The gap has narrowed by around 13 per cent at key stage 2 and 9.5 per cent at key stage 4 since 2011.

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