Children who have early education get higher GCSEs

Research shows that a pre-schooled child has more chance of getting better exam results and ultimately earning higher wages.

A child has more chance of getting better exam results and ultimately earning higher wages by receiving pre-school education, a study published today (September 9 2014) has shown.

The Effective Pre-School, Primary and Secondary (EPPSE) research shows children who go to pre-school are projected to earn £27,000 more during their career than those who don’t. They are also more likely to get better GCSE results - the equivalent of getting 7 Bs compared to 7 Cs.

The research also found that early education helped young people to specifically do better in GCSE English and maths. The effects were better if the pre-school was of high quality, and pre-school is particularly valuable for children from less advantaged backgrounds.

Sam Gyimah, Education and Childcare Minister, said:

Before they have even worn their school uniform for the first time, a child’s life chances are being decided. Early education not only sets a child off on the right foot at school but, as this extensive research shows, has effects that last right into the workplace.

"No child should start school behind their peers. This is why as part of our plan for education we are committed to providing flexible, affordable and good quality childcare, giving parents more of a choice about where they can send their children, so that they can get the best start in life."

The EPPSE project launched in 1997 and has followed 3,000 children from early childhood to the age of 16. The research was carried out by leading academics at the Institute of Education, University of Oxford, and Birkbeck, University of London.

Professor of Educational Psychology at Oxford University Kathy Sylva, who worked on the research, said:

"The EPPSE study is unique because it provides valuable evidence in Europe on the long term value of pre-school - no other research has done this.

"The results are clear - early education pays off, and high quality pre-school education gives children the very best start in life.

"High quality early education has enduring benefits for the children who experience it and also the society that invests in it."

The government funds 15 hours per week of early education for all 3- and 4-year-olds. Last month, the eligibility of 2-year-olds to receive 15 hours per week of free childcare was doubled to include 40% of all 2-year-olds from poorer families. Tax free childcare has also been introduced, which could save a working family up to £2,000 per child per year from 2015.