Research conducted by a prominent education charity reveals that the top 20 constituencies in England for social mobility are exclusively located in London, highlighting a significant regional disparity in the life opportunities available to children.
In a report released on Thursday, the Sutton Trust devised an “opportunity index” by examining six different metrics of mobility. These metrics include the percentage of children on free school meals who secure passing grades in GCSE maths and English, those who graduate by age 22, and those who enter the top 20% of earners by the age of 28.
The study found that all of the highest-ranking 20 constituencies on this index, along with 42 out of the top 50, are situated in London. The only constituency outside the capital to make it onto the list is Birmingham Perry Bar, located in the West Midlands, ranked 23rd.
The findings underline the vast disparities in children’s future prospects based on their place of birth within England.
In East Ham, the constituency held by social security minister Stephen Timms—the best performer in the index—children eligible for free school meals are an astonishing 30 percentage points more likely to achieve a grade 5 in English and maths compared to those in the lowest-ranked constituency, Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, represented by Labour’s Chi Onwura.
As these children progress through life, those from Timms’s east London constituency are three times more likely to obtain a degree than those born in Onwura’s Newcastle constituency, one of the lowest-scoring areas in the north-east.
Nick Harrison, the Sutton Trust’s chief executive, remarked, “This research reveals a shocking picture of inequality in opportunities throughout England. The future prospects of underprivileged youth continue to be heavily influenced by their upbringing location.”
The report, which analyzes data from over 10 million individuals across 25 years, also highlights significant differences in the likelihood of children from low-income backgrounds moving away from their childhood neighborhoods as adults.
Contrary to the common belief that young individuals leave for London to seek better opportunities, the Sutton Trust’s findings indicate that the capital, along with the east of England, has the highest percentage of children on free school meals relocating elsewhere, at 13%. This is significantly higher than the 6% rate found in the north-east.
Anthony Breach, a research director at the Centre for Cities think tank, noted that the research implies that many English cities, apart from London, are failing to provide adequate economic opportunities.
“It’s notable that only London among our major urban areas consistently fulfills the role we would expect of a metropolis—promoting growth, opportunities, and advancement for its residents. This corresponds with the evidence indicating that other large cities in Britain are lagging behind,” he stated.
The Sutton Trust proposes several policy changes aimed at reducing these regional inequalities in social mobility, such as incentivizing top teachers to work in underprivileged schools and enhancing financial support for low-income students attending university.
As discussions between the Treasury and government departments heat up, the Trust urges the government to prioritize improving social mobility in the upcoming spending review.
“Nationwide opportunities for social mobility can only be realized with a more equitable distribution of economic prospects across the country,” the report emphasizes.
“This should involve a sustained effort from the government, potentially including increased devolution of powers, funding reforms for local governments, and enhanced regional infrastructure investments—especially in transportation and educational training opportunities.”
Priya Edwards, a senior policy and advocacy advisor at Save the Children UK, concurred that government officials should be ready to allocate substantial resources to better the prospects of children.
“This report illustrates how both poverty and geography restrict children’s chances in life, and it should act as a wake-up call for the UK government,” she asserted.
“Ministers must strive to level the playing field for all children, irrespective of their residence. Immediate actions should include eliminating the two-child limit and benefit cap either at the comprehensive spending review on June 11 or within the upcoming child poverty strategy.”
A spokesperson from the Department for Education stated: “High and rising standards are central to the government’s mission to dismantle barriers to opportunity and ensure that one’s background does not dictate future success.
“This government has inherited a system marred by inherent inequalities, which we are tackling directly through our change plan by extending free breakfast clubs, enhancing mental health support, investing over £3 billion to assist the most vulnerable children, and delivering a comprehensive curriculum that prepares pupils for life, work, and future challenges.”
