Your support helps us to tell the story
Read more
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Read more
Teenage girls in England who come from disadvantaged backgrounds are far more likely to give birth before the age of 20, compared to their peers in higher income brackets.
Academically high-achieving girls from low-income households were 10 times more likely to have reported a pregnancy to a hospital, with a 3.5 per cent chance compared to their equally academic, higher-income peers who had a 0.3 per cent chance.
Pregnancy rates are the highest for low-achieving girls from poorer backgrounds, who had a 12.9 per cent chance by the age of 20. This is 40 times higher than for those in a high-achieving, wealthier group.
open image in gallery
Researchers calculated the figures by observing the number of girls who made contact with a hospital due to pregnancy(PA Archive)
John Jerrim, professor of education and social statistics at University College London, who authored the study published in the Oxford Review of Education, said: “Socioeconomically disadvantaged children with high levels of early achievement are perhaps the lowest hanging fruit for promoting social mobility.
“If we are to help them fulfil their potential, we must support this group academically at school, and this needs to be accompanied by arrangements to help them to manage broader issues in their lives. This requires a joined-up approach across education, social care and health services.”
RECOMMENDED
Trump’s reaction to Charlie Kirk’s death shows all of his worst traits
Undo
Early versions of Peter Rabbit, Thomas The Tank Engine and The BFG to be sold
Undo
Dementia Has Been Linked To A Common Food - Do You Eat It?CG |
Undo
Doctor Says: Don't Use Lotions, Use This Household Item Instead (For Dark Spots)Gundry MD |
Undo
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
The study identified how numbers differed between high-achieving girls from different socioeconomic groups between the ages of 11 and 20. Success was measured by the result of SATs taken at the end of primary school, classifying those in the top 25 per cent as high-achievers.
Researchers calculated the figures by observing the number of girls who made contact with a hospital due to pregnancy.
“As we are unable to observe terminations, this is largely an indicator of completed pregnancies (i.e. giving birth to a child) rather than of falling pregnant per se,” the report explained.
open image in gallery
Children who were considered high-achieving from disadvantaged backgrounds were twice as likely to end up in hospital for mental health reasons(PA Archive)
The latest data available from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the rates of teen conception had risen in England and Wales after 14 years of declining rates. Conception rates rose to 1.8 per cent for 16- to 17-year-olds in 2022, and 0.2 per cent for women under 16.
Dr Wendy Taylor, chairperson of the Local Government Authority (LGA) health and wellbeing committee, said: “Teenage pregnancy is not just a public health issue, it’s about safeguarding, education, and social justice.
“Supporting young parents is equally vital to improving outcomes and breaking cycles of disadvantage.”
RECOMMENDED
Cat Stevens says he was left clinging by his fingertips during near-death experience
Undo
Israel ramps up strikes on Gaza City and hospital says at least 32 are dead
Undo
MD: Building Muscle After 60 Comes Down To This 1 Thingprimenutritionsecrets |
Undo
Renew Your Passport From Home — Here's How.GovPlus |
Undo
Powered by TaboolaPowered by Taboola
The study also found that high-achieving children from disadvantaged backgrounds were twice as likely to be hospitalised for mental health and behaviour reasons, with an 8 per cent chance, compared to 4 per cent for their peers.
Mr Jerrim said: “The results point to a need for services to develop their responses to the complex needs of young people. This includes ensuring that there is the right environment for early intervention, which is crucial in addressing the diverse challenges faced by young people from different socioeconomic and achievement backgrounds.”