Registration for free school meals is not automatic and some low– income pupils will be missed due to eligibility criteria. This means it is imperfect as a measure of disadvantage. The Department stressed the importance of using wider measures beyond the disadvantage gap index to understand performance. This included considering the proportions of students achieving certain levels across subjects and understanding local differences by bringing together various metrics and school–level data.23...

Registration for free school meals is not automatic and some low– income pupils will be missed due to eligibility criteria. This means it is imperfect as a measure of disadvantage. The Department stressed the importance of using wider measures beyond the disadvantage gap index to understand performance. This included considering the proportions of students achieving certain levels across subjects and understanding local differences by bringing together various metrics and school–level data.23 The Department also agreed it should consider wider outcomes such as progression into work and wellbeing, alongside academic attainment. It recognises i Type: conclusion | Number: 9 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 1.1 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 1.2 The Department for Education strongly agrees too many children are held back by their background, with gaps between disadvantaged children and their peers opening early and widening throughout e