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Study Finds Poorer High-Ability UK Children Fall Behind Peers at School from Age of 11

New research has revealed that high-ability children from low-income backgrounds in the UK start to lag behind their wealthier peers at school between the ages of 11 and 14. The study, which followed high-ability children from both low and high-income groups from the age of five, showed that they progressed at similar rates until the early years of secondary school. However, it was during this critical three-year period that children from low-income families began to fall behind their wealthier counterparts. This finding highlights the importance of addressing educational inequalities and providing support to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What age range was identified as critical for high-ability children from low-income backgrounds falling behind their wealthier peers?

The critical age range identified was between 11 and 14 years old.

At what point did the study find that talented children from low-income backgrounds started to fall behind their wealthier peers?

The study found that talented children from low-income backgrounds started to fall behind their wealthier peers during the first years of secondary school, between the ages of 11 and 14.

How did the progression of high-ability children from low-income and high-income backgrounds compare until the age of 11?

Until the age of 11, high-ability children from low-income and high-income backgrounds progressed at similar rates.