Mansfield MP says one-size-fits-all approach to education needs to change

This week, UCAS statistics were released that displayed some of the disparities that exist.

The prevailing theme was that if you are white and from a disadvantaged background, then you are far less likely to go to university.

In fact only nine per cent of white lads on free school meals go to university and just 14 per cent of white girls from the same backgrounds.

That’s compared with those with the highest chances, black or Asian girls, with more than a 40 per cent rate of entry in to higher education.

Of course skin colour is not the key issue here, but what this does show is the disparity between the support and investment in places like London, or more affluent areas, compared to communities like Mansfield.

These statistics reflect an issue I have been raising in Parliament ever since I got elected.

Research has shown that, in terms of development, white working class boys are 18 months behind their peer groups by the time they are five.

It is imperative to get the right support in place through our early years provision and children’s services to address this imbalance.

Since Victorian times, our curriculum has followed a very one-size-fits-all approach and is now focused on university and academia.

Instead it needs to be more focused on a child’s talents and interests.

Intelligence is not only measured by how many essays on you can write.

Bright kids come in all shapes and sizes, from those who are good at fixing things to those who are excellent at science.

A diversifying of the curriculum to one where students are directed down paths they are interested in, rather than simply pushed to university, would massively help kids in our community unleash their talent.

There’s loads to do.

I will keep raising this issue in Parliament and asking questions of ministers to ensure our children have the very best possible opportunities through education in the future.

Ben Bradley is MP for Mansfield.