Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the progress made by disadvantaged pupils in Church schools.

Revised key stage 2 and provisional key stage 4 performance data[1][2] shows that Church schools continue to perform well and many help their pupils progress at a higher rate than non-faith schools. It is also the case that pupils from poorer backgrounds perform better[3] at faith secondary schools than at other secondary schools.

We want more good schools and to enable high quality providers to establish them. Our consultation, Schools that Work for Everyone, is aimed at creating more good schools, including Church schools, so they can improve the life chances of young people so they have the chance to go as far as their talents will take them.

[1] Please see table N7b in the attached copy of 'National curriculum assessments at key stage 2 in England, 2016 (revised).

[2] Please see table 2c in the attached copy of Provisional GCSE and equivalent results in England, 2105 to 2016.

[3] Based on the percentage of pupils achieving 5+ A*-C GCSEs including English and mathematics in 2015