A new independent inquiry commissioned by Star Academies and supported by the UK Department for Education says the education system “is not serving the interests of white working-class children,” calling for “once-in-a-generation” reforms. Co-chair Baroness Estelle Morris said responsibility cannot “sit with schools alone,” rejecting the idea that low performance stems from a lack of effort by young people or families. The inquiry’s year-long review analyzed data on white British pupils in England who receive free school meals—about 1.25 million students—and included thousands of interviews with students, parents, and hundreds of teachers. The report cites a widening belief among white working-class families that current pathways do not guarantee future success. It highlights a mismatch between what families want—often including apprenticeships and vocational options—and what schools provide, with the system still emphasizing academic progression to higher education. Among its recommendations are earlier-years support, improved mental health provision, and restrictions on smartphone use in schools, positioning the issue as both an academic attainment and student well-being concern for future education policy.