MORE children from deprived backgrounds in East Lancashire are gaining five A*-C GCSE’s by the age of 19, it has been revealed.

But the new figures from the Department for Education show that far fewer teenagers from poorer backgrounds are securing the qualifications in English and maths.

Now Ofsted’s chief inspector of schools Michael Wilson has launched a review to tackle underperformance in children from deprived communities.

Education bosses in East Lancashire said they had been providing one-to-one teaching support to children, mentoring for youngsters and family support to help boost standards for the most disadvantaged to give them the best start in life.

Coun Maureen Bateson, Blackburn with Darwen executive member for children's services, said: "Whilst there is a clear link between poverty and achievement, it in no way means that children from poorer backgrounds cannot or will not achieve, just that the barriers they face are greater.

“Blackburn with Darwen schools and colleges have worked hard over the years in overcoming these barriers.

In Lancashire County Council, 902 children on free school meals gained five or more GCSEs but only 510 also achieved English and maths.

In 2010, 839 children classed as deprived gained five or more GCSEs and of those 488 secured English and maths.

In Blackburn with Darwen 298 deprived children gained five or more GCSEs but only 183 achieved an A* to C in English and maths in 2011.

In 2010, 259 children classed as deprived gained five or more GCSEs and of those 154 gained GCSEs in English and maths.