In the United Kingdom, the link between children from low income backgrounds and their attainment is mostly determined through the evidence of children who are eligible for free school meals [FSM] (Matheson, 2004). It has always been suggested that children in receipt to free school meals are at a greater disadvantage to other children in terms of achievement and gaining opportunities to study at a higher educational level (see graph). Recent data for years 2012/2013 reveal the attainment gap for FSM pupils to achieve 5 or more GCSEs is 26.7% lower compared to non FSM pupils (DfE, 2014). As these children are predicted to not achieve as well as their better off peers, what happens to a child who does exceed typical academic expectations and applies for higher education?
This study will be focussing on the percentage number of university admission intakes from several elite universities and which percentage of the student admissions were children who were from a lower socio-economic background and/or entitled to free school meals. The geographical location for this case study will be within the capital city of London, which has one of the most significant socio-economic differences in the UK. A recent study has revealed that 2.1 million people in London are living in poverty, this is at least 7 percent higher than the rest of England (London's Poverty Profile, 2013a). I will use statistical analysis of national and local data to provide an evaluation of contextual factors that affect children and young people who are entitled to FSM and their chances of gaining a place in Higher education. I will draw upon various theoretical frameworks such as Pierre Bourdieu's theory of capital and Howard Becker's labelling theory to try and show an understanding of this educational issue.
This study will be focussing on the percentage number of university admission intakes from several elite universities and which percentage of the student admissions were children who were from a lower socio-economic background and/or entitled to free school meals. The geographical location for this case study will be within the capital city of London, which has one of the most significant socio-economic differences in the UK. A recent study has revealed that 2.1 million people in London are living in poverty, this is at least 7 percent higher than the rest of England (London's Poverty Profile, 2013a). I will use statistical analysis of national and local data to provide an evaluation of contextual factors that affect children and young people who are entitled to FSM and their chances of gaining a place in Higher education. I will draw upon various theoretical frameworks such as Pierre Bourdieu's theory of capital and Howard Becker's labelling theory to try and show an understanding of this educational issue.