Sutton Trust · 2025
This report presents an Opportunity Index for all 543 parliamentary constituencies in England, analysing how socio-economic background and geography shape educational and employment outcomes for young people eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). Using linked administrative data covering over 10 million pupils across 25 years, it finds that opportunity is heavily concentrated in London, with all top 20 constituencies located there, while constituencies in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West fare worst. FSM pupils in the best-performing areas are significantly more likely to reach university, secure employment, and enter the top 20% of earners compared to those in the lowest-ranked areas. The report calls for policy action across early education, school funding, apprenticeships, higher education access, and regional economic investment.