Inequality in the UK

 Analysis by the Office for National Statistics reveals a persistent earnings gap between those who grew up in poorer households compared with those from wealthier ones.

Children in England who receive free school meals (FSM) go on to earn less than their peers, even when they achieve the same qualifications, with half of them earning £17,000 or less at the age of 30.

At the age of 30 the top 10% from independent schools were earning upwards of £71,000 a year, while the top 1% were earning more than £180,000.

 In contrast, the top 1% of non-FSM state school pupils were earning more than £85,000, while the top 1% of FSM pupils were on £63,000.

Sara Ogilvie, the director of policy, rights and advocacy for the Child Poverty Action Group, explained, “Children who grow up in low-income households have to play catch-up with their peers from an early age..."

Children who get free school meals in England earn less as adults, study finds | School meals | The Guardian