Research and analysis

Closing the gap for groups of pupils: a primary leadership perspective

This research report identified 4 activities used by schools and their leaders to close the gap.

Documents

Closing the gap for groups of pupils: a primary leadership perspective - full report

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Closing the gap for groups of pupils: a primary leadership perspective - summary

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Details

Closing the gap between the attainment of more and less advantaged pupils is a national priority. While recognising the importance of this imperative, there are other gaps between pupil groups that appear through analysis of school performance data.

This report focuses on how leaders in a small sample of primary schools worked to close the attainment gap between groups of pupils deemed vulnerable.

The 4 activities used by schools and their leaders to close the gap were:

  1. identifying gaps through use of data
  2. identifying barriers to achievement
  3. taking action
  4. evaluating impact

The study identifies a range of leadership behaviours that support closing the gap activities and offers recommendations for other school leaders carrying out such work.

Published 1 July 2012