THE gap in school achievement between rich and poor is clear in Brentwood.
Figures have shown that 35 per cent fewer children from poor backgrounds achieve five good GCSEs compared with those from wealthier backgrounds.
Of Essex boroughs, only Uttlesford has a wider gap between the achievements of children from poorer and wealthier families than Brentwood.
And the head teacher at one of the borough's biggest schools says the data has emphasised the importance of the Government's pupil premium fund.
On average, pupils on free school meals have lower attainment than all pupils, and the gap tends to increase with age.
The pupil premium provides additional funding for more disadvantaged pupils to ensure they benefit from the same opportunities as pupils from richer families.
Stephen Drew, head teacher at Brentwood County High, said: "This validates how important the Government's pupil premium funding is. I welcome the announcement of the extension of this funding to pupils below level 4 at Key Stage 2."
