More pupils struggling to engage with lessons at school
A new report found 1.5 million children have difficulty engaging with their learning.
A report looking into the state of education in England has found that 1.5 million children have difficulty engaging in their learning.
The Pearson School Report - which brings together the views of over 12,000 teachers, students and education experts - revealed 97% of classroom teachers witnessed children and young people having difficulty engaging with their learning.
The issue is more significant in secondary schools, with around half of teachers (47%) saying that over a quarter of their students had difficulties engaging. With one in eight secondary school teachers saying this was affecting as many as three quarters of their students.
Meanwhile almost 1 in 5 pupils said they struggle 'a lot' in lessons.
When looking at solutions to the issue, teachers suggested that a range of diverse and digital solutions could be introduced to combat pupil disengagement. When asked what would support student engagement, additional staff to support pupils topped the list.
Headteacher at Tewkesbury Academy, Kathleen McGillycuddy, said: "The figures resonate with us as we have seen there are more children struggling since the pandemic. However, we mustn't forget the overwhelming majority of children are fully engaged, well supported and doing extremely well.
"We have seen a growth in the number of young people struggling to engage in the structure of school life, the expectations of school and the expectations of the curriculum and examinations.
"It is a worrying sign and is of concern to all educators as there is no school who is immune to this. It is worrying as we want all young people to do well."
The report does highlight positives though, with students feeling their teachers are supportive and look out for them and the number of students who enjoy secondary on the rise, up from 12 months ago.