Nadhim Zahawi – 2018 Comments on Support for Disadvantaged Students

The comments made by Nadhim Zahawi, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, on 7 February 2018.

Academic standards are rising, with 1.9 million more children now in ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ schools than in 2010 and 9 out of 10 schools given this rating at their latest inspection.

It is right that we must continue to offer the most disadvantaged young people additional help and I am pleased that, following public consultations, we can extend free school meals and the free early education entitlement for disadvantaged two-year-olds.

Tens of thousands more children will be entitled to free school meals by 2022 compared to the previous benefits system.

I’d like to thank everyone who responded to these consultations; their views will help to ensure every child can access a world-class education and the support reaches those that need it most.