INTRODUCTION

These Tables give information on the achievement and attainment of pupils in local secondary schools, and how they compare with other schools in the local authority (LA) area and in England as a whole. They do not include independent schools.

The Tables show:

• Key Stage 2 (KS2) to Key Stage 3 (KS3) value added measures;
• results from the KS3 tests taken in May 2005 in English, mathematics and science; and
• background information on each school.

The information in this booklet gives only part of the picture of each school's and its pupils' achievements. Schools change from year to year and their future results may differ from those achieved by current pupils. A school's value added (VA) measure gives a better indication of its overall effectiveness than attainment measures, such as percentages reaching particular thresholds. The Tables should be considered alongside other important sources of information such as Ofsted reports, school prospectuses and School Profiles. Maintained schools, Academies, and City Technology Colleges must provide parents with prospectuses on request.

Governors' Annual Reports have been replaced by School Profiles. The School Profile has been developed after consultation with schools, local authorities, governors, parents and pupils. It includes sections on the school's performance as well as narrative sections under a range of headings, including recent successes and intended improvements. School Profiles can be accessed from www.parentscentre.gov.uk/schoolprofile

Parents may be interested to see the Ofsted report for a school. Ofsted school inspection reports can be obtained from Ofsted's website at www.ofsted.gov.uk or direct from the school.

These Tables cover 150 LA areas in England. All secondary schools in an area are listed in alphabetical order, including:

• LA maintained schools;
• Academies;
• City Technology Colleges; and
• Special schools (for pupils with special educational needs requiring special teaching and facilities).

If there are any middle schools that have pupils who have taken ALL of their Key Stage 3 tests early in May 2005, these will also be listed in a separate section at the end of the Tables.