YEAR ON YEAR COMPARISON

The Tables also show a time series in the form of bar charts which show how the GCSE (and equivalent) results for pupils in each school have changed since 2002, allowing you to compare the results for a school over the past 4 years. However, unlike the data used to calculate the main attainment measures shown in the Tables, which relate to pupils at the end of KS4, the data used for the time series is based on the achievements of all pupils on roll at the school who were in their last year of compulsory schooling. This may include pupils who have not yet taken any exams as they have not reached the end of KS4 studies. The bar charts show the percentage who achieved the equivalent of five or more GCSE grades A*-C in each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

What the year on year comparison tells you

The year on year comparison data for 2005 includes all the results pupils in their last year of compulsory schooling have achieved, even if some or all of those results were obtained in earlier years. Early-taken results are credited to the school where the pupil is on roll at the time of statutory school-leaving age. However, where pupils have achieved five or more grades A*-C, or equivalent, early and then moved to a different school, the results are credited in the year on year comparison to the previous school as well. This is so that schools receive credit for results they have helped pupils achieve early.

 Take care when comparing the results of a school in 2004 and 2005 with those in previous years. The 2005 and 2004 results will not necessarily be fully comparable with those of previous years, because of the inclusion of a wider range of qualifications in the Tables from 2004.