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Pupils & learning

Supporting pupils affected by poverty

Exploring the relationship between poverty and educational disadvantage and the board's role in reducing barriers.

Guidance
10/09/2026
school-environment young pupils playing rock paper scissors

Financial hardship has long been known to impact children’s experiences at school including their attainment, attendance and sense of wellbeing. Supporting pupils affected by poverty should not be an afterthought. Governing boards should apply a poverty lens to all aspects of school life, considering how any decisions, policies and practices affect pupils and families experiencing financial hardship.

NGA would like to thank Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) for providing their expertise and support in the production of this toolkit.

This toolkit is intended to support governing boards in understanding the relationship between poverty and educational disadvantage and their role in reducing the barriers faced by pupils experiencing poverty. It covers: 

  • the link between poverty and outcomes
  • understanding poverty in your context
  • setting an inclusive culture
  • attendance
  • school admissions
  • enrichment and participation
  • stakeholder engagement
  • reviewing relevant policies

Poverty toolkit

PDF download

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