Are England’s school-aged children thriving – or are too many being left behind?

The government’s Opportunity Mission promises to end the link between a child’s background and their future. But with rising absences, a growing mental health crisis, and a SEND system under strain, how close are we to that goal?

In this episode of IFS Zooms In, Helen Miller is joined by Christine Farquharson (Associate Director, IFS) and Sam Freedman (Institute for Government, Ark Schools) to explore:

What’s driving improvements in average attainment
Why so many children are still struggling to keep up
The challenges in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
How COVID has shaped education, attendance, and well-being
What reforms could ensure every child has the chance to succeed

📩 We want your questions for our final Q&A episode! Send them – voice notes welcome – to podcast@ifs.org.uk or comment on the episode.

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Are The Kids OK? The School Years (Episode 2)