New ‘Childhood Lottery’ report exposes postcode inequalities facing children across England
A landmark report from the Children’s Commissioner for England has highlighted significant differences in children’s life chances depending on where they grow up, raising fresh questions about equity in education, health and public services. The Childhood Lottery report analysed 162 indicators covering education, health, family life, social care, community safety and access to services. It concludes that a child’s postcode continues to have a major influence on their opportunities and outcomes.
Drawing on data from local authorities across England, the research found substantial variation in educational outcomes. In some areas, more than 70% of pupils achieve a grade 5 or above in both GCSE English and maths, while in others the figure falls to just 31%. Rates of school exclusion, absence and children missing education also vary sharply between regions. The report identifies Middlesbrough, Hounslow and Bradford among the areas where childhood is most challenging, based on a composite score of outcomes and access to services. In contrast, Cheshire East, Merton and Surrey were ranked among the strongest-performing areas.
Mental health and wellbeing emerge as major concerns. More than one million children had active referrals to mental health services in 2024-25, while access to Mental Health Support Teams differs significantly between locations. In some areas, nearly all pupils can access support through their school, whereas coverage remains much lower elsewhere. The findings also highlight inequalities in wider aspects of childhood. Children’s access to playgrounds, youth services, healthcare and safe community spaces was found to differ considerably across England. The report notes that some local authorities reported no spending on youth services, while others invested hundreds of pounds per young person.
For schools, the report provides further evidence of the growing impact of place-based disadvantage. It draws links between local factors such as poverty, attendance, access to post-16 provision and educational achievement. Areas with stronger post-16 opportunities were found to have lower rates of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).
The Children’s Commissioner argues that upcoming devolution reforms present an opportunity to address these disparities. Among the report’s recommendations are a new “Children’s Test” for devolved authorities, the appointment of dedicated regional leaders for children, and the creation of a national Children’s Emergency Fund to support areas where outcomes fall below minimum standards.
The report concludes that while many children are proud of where they live, policymakers must do more to ensure opportunities are not determined by postcode. As education, health and local government services continue to evolve, the findings are likely to add momentum to calls for a more coordinated approach to improving outcomes for every child, regardless of where they grow up.
