Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to the Sutton Trust report on the impact of Covid-19 and school closures, said:

“’This study confirms our concerns that school closures without adequate support to parents and families will only widen inequality between children further still.

“It is imperative that the government ensures those disadvantaged year 10s and vulnerable pupils who are eligible for a free device to access online materials receive them urgently.

“And the scheme must be expanded so that the one million children who do not have access to a device or connectivity at home are not left behind.”