Bradford Council to launch review to improve disadvantaged boys' prospects

Bradford Council will conduct a district-wide review aimed at improving outcomes for disadvantaged white working-class boys, amid concerns about weak GCSE results, school attendance and future prospects. The council voted on Wednesday night to “ensure that no young people are left behind,” after a motion from Sally Birch, the executive member for Children’s Services. Birch said Bradford has evidence that disadvantaged white boys are vulnerable to underachievement and argued that background should guide where support is needed. The motion highlighted that white pupils eligible for free school meals are among Bradford’s lowest-achieving groups at GCSE level. The vote was not unanimous, with some councillors warning focusing on one group could cause “unhealthy competition.”