A report by the Grattan Institute has revealed more disadvantaged teenage students are slipping through the cracks of Australia’s education system than ever before.

Disadvantaged students are more than five years behind in reading requirements and four years behind in maths requirements compared to students of more affluent backgrounds.

Grattan Institute’s principal education adviser and the report’s co-author Julie Sonneman told 6PR Afternoons more support is needed for schools.

“What we would really like to see is much more support from the government,” said Ms Sonneman.

Press PLAY to hear what Ms Sonneman had to say