Closing the Gap for Disadvantaged Pupils

“An insufficient focus on the disadvantaged must be urgently addressed at a national level."

Sir Michael Wilshaw HMCI Annual Report, December 2015

"The attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has fallen at both primary and secondary level"

Department for Education spokeswoman

Why is this conference relevant?

We know that closing the gap is firmly on the national agenda. In his latest December report, Sir Michael Wilshaw stated that the achievement of pupils from low-income backgrounds remains an ongoing weakness in our education system. A recent article from BBC.co.uk, school grades 'linked to where you live', suggested how geography affects pupil's grades in school more than in past generations.
But this is not just about Ofsted accountability, this is about your school becoming a leveller in society and giving all pupils the opportunity to succeed.

But with so much at stake, do you know what really works to close the gap?

What can I expect?

• What can you do to really make a difference? Challenge the status quo, identify common barriers disadvantaged pupils face and learn how to overcome them
• Motivating for success: take away proven strategies to increase effort, raise aspirations and ensure all students reach their full potential
• Backing up and evidencing your decisions: learn how to showcase and justify your Pupil Premium use and how you are working to close the gap to Ofsted

Why choose Optimus Education?

Last year’s event received a 96% delegate satisfaction rate with comments including:

“Informative, engaging and inspiring. I feel empowered and have some realistic actions to put in place back at school”
Assistant Headteacher, Henley in Arden School

“An inspiring day which has left me with lots of ideas to take back to my school”
Inclusion Coordinator, John F Kennedy

“Excellent, nothing that was not highly relevant to the subject area. Supported me being able to prioritise what needs to be done in my school and make an action plan. Highly recommend to others!”
SENCO, Foresters Primary School

“An excellent day filled with opportunities to explore pupil premium at all angles”
Deputy Head, Heather Ridge Infant