Study finds critical period between ages of 11 and 14 is when things seem to start going wrong compared with wealthier group

A critical three-year period between the ages of 11 and 14 has been identified as the point at which talented children from low-income backgrounds fall behind their wealthier peers at school, according to new research.

The study tracked high-ability children from the age of five, from the lowest and highest income groups, and found that they progressed at similar rates until the first years of secondary school.

But by the time the two groups sat GCSEs or equivalent exams at 16 years old, those in the wealthier group were much more likely to gain top grades than those in the low-income group, and were more likely to take A-levels.

Researchers found that after the early years of secondary school, those from low-income backgrounds were more likely to have contact with the police, lower self-esteem, and negative attitudes towards education.