Press releases

Commenting on Barnardo's report Unlocking the gates Sue Berelowitz, Deputy Children's Commissioner, said:

"I welcome this report from Barnardo's, which is a really strong contribution to the education debate. As Barnardo's point out, the top secondary schools on average only take 5% of pupils entitled to free school meals, so a level playing field is needed. All the available evidence shows that in order to narrow the achievement gap children from disadvantaged backgrounds should have equal access to the best schools. The admissions policies used by schools are very important in ensuring that this can happen.

"I am pleased the Government recognises the inequalities in the current system and is taking action to make sure the new academies cannot be more selective. However as this report shows the existing admissions code needs to be reviewed. I also welcome the pupil premium as a step towards redressing inequalities."