Written question WQ86787

I have noted an 8-percentage point reduction in the overall 2022 Key Stage 3 (KS3) core subject indicator (CSI) compared to 2019 (the last year that data was available) and a widening of the gap for children eligible for free school meals. Whilst unwelcome, these outcomes are likely illustrations of the impact of the pandemic on learners.

To help mitigate the effects of the pandemic on our young people, our funding priorities for this year continue to be aligned to supporting learners' well-being and progression, building on over £270 million of support we provided under Renew and Reform in 2021-22. In 2022-23, we have provided an additional £37.5 million to support the continuation of the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards Programme, ensuring that we retain and support the 1,800 full-time equivalent staff recruited to build capacity in schools to support learners.

We are also providing funding to support learner well-being and progression in schools, to support learners with Additional Learning Needs, those who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging, and additional counselling provision to support young people’s mental health and well-being.

We will continue to ensure that we provide specific support for vulnerable and disadvantaged learners, including those newly vulnerable or disadvantaged, ensuring we reduce the likelihood of long-term impacts.