Nationally, disadvantaged children start school an average of 4.6 months behind their wealthier peers. By the end of primary school this gap has widened to 9.3 months and by the end of secondary school it is 18.4 months.

In Devon and Cornwall, the disadvantage gap is larger than the national average at all stages:

• In Devon, disadvantaged children start school 5 months behind their peers. By the end of primary school, this gap has widened to 10.8 months and by the end of secondary has grown to 20.8 months. 
• In Cornwall, disadvantaged children start school 5.4 months behind their peers. By the end of primary school, this gap has widened to 11.3 months and by the end of secondary has grown to 20.7 months. 
• In Plymouth - with a gap of 6.4 months – the situation requires urgent action. It is one of just 13 local authorities where poorer children start school more than 6 months behind their peers and one of only three local authorities nationally where the attainment gap is more than 24 months by the time children sit GCSEs. 

For a truly fair education, disadvantaged children in the South West need the same opportunities and support given to those from wealthier backgrounds. This requires transformational leadership and collaboration across the region and beyond. 

SW100 is working to train 100 inspirational leaders who can help transform education in the South West.