Schools where poverty weighs most on academic success suffer from a lack of teachers

Public schools are facing challenges in overcoming the impact of poverty on student success, particularly in areas with a high socio-economic burden. While many schools manage to support disadvantaged students, those with the greatest needs often struggle with teacher shortages. Recent data shows that 53% of schools exceeded national averages for students with socio-economic disadvantages, but 40% reported negative equity levels. Notably, schools in the northern region performed better, while those in Lisbon and Setúbal faced significant challenges. The lack of teachers is linked to lower success rates, especially in secondary education, where disparities are more pronounced. Additionally, foreign students, particularly from Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, face greater difficulties compared to their Portuguese peers, with gaps widening in higher education levels.