Are there any regional inequalities for education between the North and South?

The north and south divide has been prevalent since the onset of the industrial revolution, most predominantly in our education system. Although, despite the many equalities we have accomplished in the modern world, there is a continuously widening gap in educational achievement. This issue could be causing more damage than we realise, which is why it is crucial we understand the causes of such a significant divide. 

Understanding that there a range of factors, both internal and external to school, is vital in allowing all obstacles to be tackled. One of many internal factors contributing to this divide is funding disparities between schools. A large majority of southern schools, receive more funding per pupil than those in the north. Formula funding is a marketisation policy, causing schools to compete like businesses against one another for more pupils. Therefore, when schools in the south receive significantly larger funds, they’re given more scope to afford the best institutions, staff and extra-curricular opportunities. All of which allow an enriched and unique educational experience for students, setting themselves apart from students in the north. 

Whilst the National Curriculum sets out the standards for education for both the north and south, increased funding for southern schools means they can broaden educational and extra-curricular opportunities for pupils. For example, wealthier southern schools can offer additional programmes and tuition for students to gain greater understanding of subjects. In having additional, specialist teaching and facilities, they can provide their pupils with expert knowledge, aiding them substantially in exam success. For example, in 2025, only 22.9% of pupils in the North East received grades A and A*, compared to 32.1% in London. Furthermore, with more money comes more opportunities to fund school trips which allow students to broaden their cultural capital, providing them with experiences that most northern pupils are exempt from. 

Furthermore, there are real differences in the quality of teachers. Usually, schools in disadvantaged areas, such as the north, struggle to recruit high quality, higher qualified teachers. Northern schools and their pupils are bound to be trapped in a continuous loop of struggle without money for all the things a school needs to thrive. It is inevitable that the students’ grades reflect the quality of the school.

While considering the contribution of these internal factors, external factors could be the answer to what is sustaining such a large divide. In the south, there a more wealthy and successful families, who can provide their children with knowledge, experiences and resources, that poorer families in the north may be unable to give. With some parents, particularly those in the south, being able to provide their children with more than others, limitations will remain to exist. Therefore, without urgent, sustained action to support schools and disadvantaged children, to even out the playing field, the gap will continue to widen.

Educational disparity. A problem yet to be solved, when will the system treat us fairly?