SCHOOLS have been told they must do more to help less advantaged pupils do as well as their peers.

Education watchdog Ofsted’s annual report – released yesterday – praised the county’s schools and Oxfordshire County Council in a number of areas.

But it also said the ‘attainment gap’ between disadvantaged children and the best needed to close.

In 2014/15 35 per cent of disadvantaged children got five GCSEs at grades A* to C compared to 65 per cent of other pupils.

Ofsted south east senior inspector Stephen Long said: “Standards have risen for the more advantaged children but the rise means the gap is not narrowing.

“Schools need to take a really long look at disadvantaged children and see what has really helped them, such as supporting families to support children at the youngest age and focusing on literacy and reading.”

Mr Long said schools where disadvantaged pupils were not performing as well could learn from others where the opposite was the case.

Didcot Girls’ School, which was rated outstanding in November last year, was singled out for praise.

It was said to make sure disadvantaged pupils got help without feeling singled out and were helped by strong pastoral work.

Headteacher Rachael Warwick said: “The key to our success is doing a few important things very well.

“We identify students who are eligible for additional support as soon as they arrive in year seven and ensure that they receive this over the next five years, working closely with families.

“Relationships between staff and students are very strong.

“All of our students are encouraged to be ambitious and aspirational for their futures, they are confident to come forward and ask us for support and extra help.”

Ms Warwick added that the success of Didcot Girls’ School showed comprehensive schools delivered for disadvantaged youngsters.

The report also praised the county council for responding well after early years outcomes were identified as a cause for concern the previous year.

County councillor and education expert Professor John Howson said:”The closing of the attainment gap is absolutely what everybody has been focusing on for the past 10 years

“If the Government is to take on more responsibility for education [through academies and free schools] then we as a local authority have to make sure it closes the gap so we are getting the best education for every child.”

A further positive in the report showed the percentage of children attending good or outstanding primary schools had increased by 25 percentage points from 2012, while the same figure for secondary pupils was up by 11 percentage points.

County council cabinet member for education Steve Harrod said: “It’s really encouraging to see these figures moving in the right direction.

“Oxfordshire’s schools and their staff deserve great credit for driving the improvements which are giving the chance for many more children to attend good schools

“Further work is needed to improve results for vulnerable learners – such as children with special educational needs and those from low-income families.

“The council has urged schools to redouble their efforts in this area, and to provide assurance that the progress of vulnerable learners is being properly monitored and issues such as persistent absence and exclusions are being addressed.”