Schools, Education and Social Exclusion

A review of research evidence suggests that low levels of educationalattainment are crucial in generating and sustaining social exclusion. Testscores at school are the most effective predictor of many adult outcomes.School attendance and soft skills are also important. Reviewing the factorsaccounting for the variance in educational attainment, it is evident thatcombinations of social disadvantage powerfully affect school performancewith up to 75% of school variation in 16 year old attainment at GCSEassociated with pupil intake factors. But school factors can raise attainmentby up to 14 GCSE points for average pupils. Hence schools are a good placeto improve children’s skills. Research suggests that higher per pupilspending, smaller class sizes and teacher quality in schools all seem to make adifference and some have most impact on disadvantaged pupils. However anapproach which focuses solely on the improvement of average schoolperformance is likely to be a less effective means of reducing social exclusionthan an approach which creates incentives that rewards improvement amongthe least able. Other factors such as the behaviour and hiring decisions ofemployers also require attention if improved educational performance is toprovide high pay offs.[...]