A boys' bookshelf in every school library was one of the ideas proposed by Education Secretary Alan Johnson, as he told the Fabian Society that the education system needed to change to prevent working class boys being left behind at schools.

Setting out his ambition to break the link between social class and educational attainment, Johnson highlighted the scale of the challenge in closing both the class and gender gaps in achievement, noting that boys make up 70% of those with identified special education needs; 72% of dyslexics; and 88% of those with behavioural, emotional and social needs.

'Working class boys have traditionally defined their identity in terms of their job, their family and their responsibilities. Each has been hit by wider social and economic change. The old supports, once so dependable, have been weakened or removed', he said.

He highlighted a number of policy responses. A greater focus on literacy should include a 'boy's bookshelf' in every school; specialist one-on-one tuition for all pupils who need it; and a further expansion of apprenticeships.

Johnson said the new Fabian research would make an important contribution: 'Building on their highly influential Commission on Life Chances and Child Poverty, this will certainly help our deliberations at DFES in this important area', said Johnson.

See the full text of the speech here.

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