Closing the GCSE attainment gap can’t be up to schools alone

‘Politicians of all persuasions need to understand the inherent disadvantage of low income and insecurity on large sections of our population,’ writes Cathy Williams. Photograph: Finnbarr Webster/Getty ImagesWhile a substantial increase in funding for state schools would be welcome (Poorest pupils twice as likely to fail GCSEs as richest peers, 21 August), the schools alone cannot improve the educational outcomes for children from deprived backgrounds. Anyone under stress loses the c