New research shows that the real challenge for disadvantaged young people is achieving their aspirations. This study argues that schools and policy-makers in England put a lot of effort into ‘raising aspirations’ to increase achievement among disadvantaged pupils, but this is based on false assumptions about low aspirations. The real challenge for disadvantaged young people is achieving their aspirations. Schools should focus on keeping pupils’ aspirations on track. Working with parents (meaning parents or guardians) is a highly effective way of doing so.