In 2016, performance tables for secondary schools (KS4) are changing. Below is an overview of the changes and there are links to places where you can find more information.
Headline measures
There will be four key headline measures of school performance:
- Progress across a suite of 8 subjects (Progress 8)
- Attainment across 8 subjects (Attainment 8)
- The percentage of pupils achieving a C grade or better in English and maths
- The EBacc.
The Department for Education (DfE) are also looking to introduce a fifth headline measure on destination and are currently reviewing experimental statistics to ensure the robustness of the data before publishing.
Progress 8 and Attainment 8
These measures are based on pupils’ performance across 8 subjects. These subjects will be taken from four categories:
- A double weighted English element (the best result taken from English Language or English Literature, but pupils must take both subjects to receive the double weighting)
- A double weighted maths element
- Three places for other EBacc subjects – Sciences, including computer science; geography, history and ancient and modern foreign languages
- Three places for qualifications from the range of EBacc subjects, other academic subjects or vocational qualifications taken from the DfE approved list which is published on an annual basis.
Although Progress 8 encourages students to take eight qualifications, it is not compulsory and for some students gaining good grades in fewer subjects with the emphasis on doing well in English and maths could be a more beneficial programme of study.
Early Opt in
DfE are offering secondary schools the opportunity to opt in to the new accountability system one year early, ie 2015 performance tables. As the new accountability system is designed to focus on the progress of all students rather than placing undue emphasis on the C/D border line, this opportunity would allow schools to demonstrate the benefit of their broad curriculum.
Key information