DfE consults on progress 8 with new science ‘slots’
23 February 2026
The DfE is seeking views on proposals to improve Key Stage 4 performance measures covering GCSEs and Technical Awards.
Following the removal of the EBacc measure, the model for Progress 8 and Attainment 8 will be refreshed. The new 8 ‘slots’ for the proposed curriculum model for Progress 8 and Attainment 8 are:
English and maths will continue to follow the same double-weighted rules as the current Progress 8 and Attainment 8 slots.
Science slots are new and will take the two highest point scores from GCSE science qualifications (double award, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science or computing).
Breadth slots must be filled by GCSEs from two of the three categories below:
- Category A – humanities (geography, history, religious studies)
- Category B – creative (art and design, music, drama, dance, design and technology)
- Category C – languages (modern foreign languages and ancient languages)
Technical Awards in creative subjects may also count in category B but will be capped at two technical awards across all of slots 5 – 8.
Choice slots take the two highest point scores in any two other subjects including GCSEs and Technical Awards (in specified subjects). Technical Awards will be capped at two technical awards across all of slots 5 – 8.
New performance measures will also be introduced to better recognise the achievements of lower-attaining students including for those who are unlikely to succeed in eight qualifications.
The Government response will be published in the summer term 2026 so that schools can take the revised Progress 8 measure into account when determining subject choices for pupils who will start their GCSEs in September 2027.
Further performance measures consultations are promised for later in the year including for post-16 English and mathematics and for measuring performance across all 16 to 18 learners.