This paper examines inequality of learning outcomes among children of the same age (age 12) but seven years apart – in 2006 and 2013. It employs statistical analysis and uses data from the Young Lives Older Cohort who were aged 12 in 2006 (Round 2 of the Young Lives survey) and the Younger Cohort who were aged 12 in 2013 (Round 4), focusing on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), mathematics and common reading test results.

Over the past two decades, Ethiopia has made significant progress in key human development indicators. Child mortality and nutrition have improved and primary school enrolments have increased.