Associations of major congenital anomalies, long-term health conditions, and socioeconomic deprivation with educational attainment in Wales: A population-based data linkage study

A study conducted in Wales examines the relationship between major congenital anomalies, long-term health conditions, socioeconomic deprivation, and educational attainment. Researchers used electronic health and education records from children born in Wales between 1998 and 2007 to analyze the impact on educational outcomes at ages 11 and 16.

They found that children with major congenital anomalies were less likely to meet national academic standards, including those required for professional courses. However, the strongest association was found with socioeconomic deprivation rather than the anomalies themselves. At age 11, 82% of children without anomalies achieved established standards, compared to 80% of those with anomalies.

By age 16, just 47% of children with anomalies met the standards for five GCSEs at grades C-A*, compared to 56% of those without anomalies. The study also found that children from the most deprived quintiles or those eligible for free school meals were significantly less likely to attain these standards, even with special education needs support.

Severe epilepsy was identified as a major factor reducing educational achievement. While SEN provision mitigated some of the disadvantages, children from deprived backgrounds were unlikely to achieve five GCSEs at grades C-A* with English/Welsh, Maths, and Science.