MORE than two-thirds of children in need in Hampshire failed to meet the expected standard in writing, reading and maths last year, according to new figures.

Across England, looked-after children, pupils in care and those with a child protection order performed worse compared to all pupils in the 2022-23 academic year.

School leaders’ union the NAHT said the disadvantage gap will continue to have a harmful impact on vulnerable children’s life chances unless the Government invests in services supporting schools.

READ MORE: More than 93 per cent of parents given first-choice school for child in Hampshire

Department for Education figures show 137 of 457 children in need in key stage two in Hampshire met the required standard for reading, writing and maths in 2022-23 – the equivalent of 30 per cent. Meanwhile, 61 per cent of all pupils in Hampshire met the standard.

The figures for all pupils include the number of children considered in need as well.

General secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Pepe Di’Iasio, said: “Children in social care have often gone through hell and unfortunately this trauma can understandably impact on their educational progress as well as their social and emotional wellbeing.

“Schools work hard to support them in all respects, but they are having to do so without enough funding, staff or specialist support. In addition, social care departments are also under huge pressure.”

SEE ALSO: Proud headteacher celebrates 'outstanding achievements' in key subjects

The figures also show 48 per cent of key stage two children in need in Hampshire reached the expected standard for reading, 41 per cent for writing and 42 per cent for maths. For all pupils, 73 per cent met the standard in maths and writing, while 75 per cent did in reading.

General secretary of NAHT, Paul Whiteman, said: “The Government hasn’t done nearly enough to support children’s recovery from the pandemic, and it is depressing that this has further harmed those children who need help the most."

He said while teachers do their best to support pupils, they are not equipped to tackle the root causes of poverty.

SEE MORE: Eastrop paddling pool closed for maintenance work just as weather warms up

Mr Whiteman continued: “The disadvantage gap will continue to have a pernicious impact on children’s life chances, especially the most vulnerable, and it will only begin to close when the Government properly invests in those services that support schools’ social care, family support and mental health services."

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We want to make sure that children from all over the country, regardless of background, have the same opportunities to succeed and attain the highest levels.

“We have made almost £5bn available since 2020 for education recovery initiatives, including high-quality tutoring for the children who need the most support.

"We are also supporting disadvantaged pupils through the pupil premium, which is rising to almost £2.9bn in 2024-25, the highest in cash terms since this funding began.”