RESULTS FOR PUPILS AT THE END OF KEY STAGE 4 (KS4)

This part of the Tables shows:

The cohort information

• the total number of pupils at the end of KS4 (i.e. in Year 11) on roll at the beginning of the 2004/05 school year. This may include pupils older or younger than 15 (i.e. in their final year of compulsory schooling);
• the percentage of pupils at the end of KS4 aged 14 or younger at the beginning of the 2004/05 school year. This shows the proportion of pupils that have completed KS4 early;
• the percentage of pupils aged 15 at the beginning of the 2004/05 school year. This shows the proportion of pupils that are in their final year of compulsory schooling. The majority of pupils taking their exams are normally aged 15 at the start of the 2004/05 school year; and
• the number and percentage of pupils at the end of KS4 with special educational needs, with or without statements.

The results

• the percentage of pupils at the end of KS4 who gained Level 2 in the National Qualifications Framework (five or more GCSE grades A*-C, or equivalent) - the standard normally needed to prepare them for advanced study;
• the percentage of pupils at the end of KS4 who gained Level 1 (five or more GCSE grades A*-G, or equivalent);
• the percentage of pupils at the end of KS4 who gained at least one qualification; and
• the average total point score.

The average total point score

The average total point score provides a fuller picture of the achievements of pupils of all abilities. Two schools with similar percentages of pupils achieving Level 2 or Level 1 thresholds may have different average point scores.

The average total point score is calculated by dividing the total number of points achieved by pupils at the end of KS4 by the number of pupils on roll at the end of KS4.

The average point score published here includes all of each pupil's GCSE (and equivalent) qualifications, not just the best eight. It is important not to compare the 2005 average point scores to those from previous years (2002 and 2003) that were calculated on a different basis.

What schools' attainment measures tell you