A north-south divide in prospects opens up before children are even five years old, according to new research.

The country’s geographical gulf in opportunities is a long-established phenomenon but it was previously seen largely in terms of jobs, resources and the economy.

New figures show that less than half (47 per cent) of children born into the poorest families in the north of England reach a good standard of development by the time they are five years’ old. This compares to 59 per cent of those in poverty in London.

The study by think tank IPPR North concluded that if the Government wants to create a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ it must first tackle the issue of children’s potential in the region being held back before they even arrive at school.

Just a third of those on free school meals in the north of England go on to receive the standard of of five GCSEs A*- C, including English and Maths.

Demand for skilled workers is rising (Getty)

Ed Cox, director of IPPR North, said: “We will never become a powerhouse economy when our children and young people have such a poor start in life. It will take a generation of investment: not only in new railways and motorways, but in the ‘human capital’ of the North – in education and training, starting with the youngest.”

Productivity in the north of England trails the national average by 10.6 per cent, the study found. But there are signs of promise. Though the north has a lower proportion of well-qualified workers, when the five northern city-regions are combined they have almost as many well-qualified individuals (3.6 million) as London (3.7 million).

Demand for skilled workers in the region is also forecast to increase, with three quarters of the 2.4m new jobs expected to be available by 2022 requiring A-level or equivalent standard of training.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “Ensuring every child, regardless of their background, can fulfil their potential is part of this government’s core mission to extend opportunity to all. We know the first few years of a child’s life are vital and evidence shows the better the childcare, the higher the quality of learning and development. Our Early Years Pupil Premium is giving providers extra funds to help young children from disadvantaged backgrounds and close the attainment gap.