Equitable Education: What everyone working in education should know about closing the attainment gap for all pupils

Never has a book on social justice and equitable education been so relevant.

Recent events have highlighted the huge attainment gaps that exist for many pupils within the education system due to factors outside of their control. As the diversity of the pupil population increases, it is more important than ever to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding within the teaching profession around issues of equality and inclusion. This book provides trainees and teachers with an in-depth understanding of the complex issues related to the attainment of key groups of disadvantaged pupils, and practical strategies that can be deployed to address these gaps.

Chapters focus on:

• social class,
• gender,
• English as an additional language,
• minority ethnic achievement,
• gypsy, Roma and travellers,
• refugee and asylum seekers, and
• those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The book takes a stark look at the evidence and statistics, provides an overview of the key issues and considerations for each particular group, and suggests key resources and examples of good practice, along with case studies and points for reflection. Ultimately it encourages you to have high expectations of your pupils and to truly believe that you can help them realise their ambitions and aspirations.

This is a powerful and timely consideration of the ways in which education has the capacity to make a difference. Packed full of evidence-informed strategies, this book considers the range of ways that schools can respond positively to build far greater equity for all...Sameena Choudry’s contribution is authoritative and compelling and deserves our full attention.
Dame Alison Peacock.

Sameena Choudry is the founder of Equitable Education Ltd, an educational consultancy specialising in closing the attainment gap. She is also co-founder of #WomenEd, a grassroots movement for connecting existing and aspiring women leaders in education. She has worked as a teacher, lecturer, ITE tutor, examiner, senior leader, adviser and has had senior officer roles within three LAs. She is also a trained Ofsted inspector. Sameena has worked with hundreds of schools to improve educational outcomes for pupils with specific needs who, with additional support, can and do achieve highly. She has contributed to a number of publications and regularly speaks at educational conferences on issues relating to equality, diversity and social justice.