Specialised teaching 'can boost achievement of white working-class boys'

Schools should employ specialised teaching of white working-class boys to boost their attainment, Ofsted has suggested.

In a report issued by the watchdog following a survey of 19 primary, secondary and special schools, it was found that positive efforts had been made to improve this group's achievement, reports the Daily Telegraph.

White working-class boys achieve the worst academic results in England - only 27 per cent left school with five good GCSEs last year.

Teachers are using techniques such as taking reading and writing lessons with action-packed books full of sports and danger, as well as giving the boys the chance to take part in fun activities including martial arts.

Furthermore, they have been offering parents support so they can help their sons with their homework.

Last month, the Times reported that teenagers from ethnic minorities are much more likely to aspire to go to university than their white counterparts.