For children and young people growing up in England, school is not always the equitable experience it should be.

The UK Cost of the School Day project has been exploring how children living in poverty experience and participate in school activities. We have spoken to over 10,000 children and young people in England. Listening to their voices and experiences allows us to examine the inequalities that are pervasive within the English education system.

Missing out on trips and music lessons; not having educational resources such as revision guides and calculators; avoiding non-uniform days and fun events such as school fairs, proms and cake sales… Children growing up in poverty have told us that their whole educational experience is impacted by not having enough money. Poverty makes it harder for children to learn, achieve, and be happy at school. ​

UK Cost of the School Day practitioners have been working with school communities in England to reduce school costs and stigma and to design a more inclusive school day.

This online event will mark the launch of our new report: The Cost of the School Day in England: pupils’ perspectives .

Join us to hear about our key findings relating to curriculum and learning, stigma, food and fun. We will also be sharing examples of good practice and key recommendations for policymakers.