BACKBENCH MPs unmasked the poverty trap that lays behind “persistent” low grades for poor white children yesterday.

Just 32 per cent of white British children who receive free school meals leave school with five good GCSEs, including English and Maths, according to Parliament’s education select committee.

Its investigation into the lowest performing social group in Britain’s schools shows they lag far behind children from other ethnic backgrounds. 

It said white boys and girls in low-income families spent less time on homework and have a higher rate of absence from school than other ethnic groups.

The committee heard ministers pin the blame on parents with low aspirations while charities such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation argued parents lacked access to cash and support.

Committee chairman Graham Stuart admitted: “We don’t know how much of the under performance is due to poor attitudes to school, a lack of work ethic or weak parenting.”

And Labour committee member Ian Means said some parents are prevented by helping with homework by long working hours. 

“I’ve come across parents who are working their socks off on behalf of their kids, single mums working three different jobs,” the longtime school governor told the Star. 

“But that means they’re not able to engage with their own kids.”

The report insisted top teachers must help the most disadvantaged kids.

But the National Union of Teachers pointed out the Tory performance-related pay policy would put teachers off leading classes with low exam results. 

“This is the right debate to be having but not the right solution,” said general secretary Christine Blower. 

“Comprehensive, inclusive education, with effective local oversight of schools is the route to widening the life chances of working-class children.”