Half of children on free school meals were not ready for school - University of Leeds study
Children who start school without the right social skills are much more likely to end up unemployed in later life, according to researchers
Last updated 9th Sep 2025
New University of Leeds research has found almost half of pupils currently on free school meals started school without the necessary skills to thrive.
New analysis by the Child of the North research group, which includes local universities and NHS organisations, found half of children deemed 'not ready' for school are later identified as having special educational needs.
Their research also lays out the impact of a child not having the right social, communication or physical skills at the start of their school career on their later life prospects.
Such children are twice as likely to have dental decay, 27 times more likely to have undiagnosed autism and eight times more likely not to hit attainment targets at Key Stage 1.
Later on, such pupils are two and a half times more likely to become persistently absent and three times more likely to be out of education, employment or training between the ages of 16 and 17.
Researchers say the impact of the pandemic is partially to blame, although the research also provides yet more evidence of the benefits of tackling deprivation.
Professor Shearer West, University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “Tackling childhood inequalities benefits both young people and society as a whole."
"But we can only do this if we work together: the Child of the North campaign demonstrates the impact of research and innovation carried out with compassion, commitment and a collaborative spirit.
“The University of Leeds is leading the way through outstanding interdisciplinary research in this area, and by working closely with regional and national partners, we can play a meaningful part in a future in which every child can thrive.”
Report series editor Professor Mark Mon-Williams, from the University of Leeds, said:
“Last year's Child of the North campaign shone a light on the true extent of the issues facing disadvantaged children and young people, from the autism and mental health crisis, to oral health, special needs, school attendance, vulnerability and crime."
"The action plans we created for policymakers have resulted in real change taking place.
“This year we have provided a series of toolkits for people on the ground, working directly with these children, to help them implement our recommendations and make changes that will improve outcomes for all children.”