Pupils who used food banks in pandemic fared worse at GCSEs, study finds

Students whose families turned to food banks during the pandemic lost on average half a grade per GCSE subject. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

Pupils whose families turned to food banks during the pandemic fared worse at GCSE than expected, losing half a grade per subject on average, according to a study.

Researchers said pupils’ grades were lower, even after taking into account their prior attainment and some aspects of household finances.