It has become the defining mission of Scotland’s education system.
But closing the attainment gap – the difference in achievement and learning outcomes between those from disadvantaged backgrounds and their better off peers – is proving a stubborn challenge.
An Audit Scotland report published earlier this year warned disparities remained “wide” and had been exacerbated by Covid-19.
Efforts continue at all levels to reduce inequalities and increase opportunity, with much of the most daring work happening in our university and college sectors.
A number of institutions were honoured in the 2019 Herald Higher Education Awards for widening access to courses that would previously have been out of reach for many learners from poorer communities.