Reporting at the end of KS4
Since 2005, the Achievement and Attainment Tables have reported on all pupils at the end of their KS4 programme of study instead of achievements of only those pupils aged 15 (i.e. aged 15 by 31 August 2005). In most schools this will be the pupils in Year 11 classes. Although most pupils are aged 15 at the start of the school year, in some schools there are younger and older pupils in this year group, as different pupils progress at different rates. Since 2005, the Tables have reported the achievements of all pupils at the end of KS4, regardless of their age, to allow for different rates of learning.
All performance data published in the Tables are based on the achievements of pupils at the end of KS4. However, because data on KS4 pupil performance has only been collected since 2005, the bar charts showing results over the past four years are based on the achievements of pupils on roll who were aged 15 at the start of the school year.
Which qualifications are reported
All qualifications have value in their own right as part of a fully-rounded educational experience and as a pathway towards further learning and employment. By recognising all approved qualifications, not just GCSEs and GNVQs, we ensure that schools receive full recognition of their efforts to broaden the curriculum opportunities available to their pupils in the 14-19 phase of education.
These Tables report achievements in all qualifications approved for pupils of compulsory school age. This includes GCSEs, up to Level 2 Vocationally Related Qualifications, NVQs, Key Skills, Basic Skills and Entry Level qualifications. AS levels and Advanced Free Standing Maths qualifications taken early will also be counted.
Qualifications that are not accredited by QCA or approved by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for school age use (e.g. International GCSEs) are not reported in the Achievement and Attainment Tables.
Take care when comparing performance over time. The 2003 Tables only reported GCSEs and GNVQs, whereas from 2004, the Tables have included a wider range of qualifications which are based on a different point scoring system.
Counting a wider range of qualifications
Prior to 2004, the Tables only counted GCSEs and GNVQs in the performance indicators. In order to report a wider range of qualifications, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) assigned points to all qualifications approved for use pre-16 on a scale equivalent to GCSEs. The point scoring system developed by QCA is designed for use as a means of measuring school performance. It allows the reporting of different types of qualifications at an equitable basis. It is not designed to allow judgements to be made about the value of different qualifications.
Each qualification has been assigned a threshold contribution figure expressed as a percentage as well as a point score.
5 GCSEs at A*-C (and equivalent) contribute 100% to the Level 2 threshold.
5 GCSEs at A*-G (and equivalent) contribute 100% to the Level 1 threshold.
Using this formula, a GCSE is equal to one fifth, or 20% of the threshold because the GCSE is assigned a Level 2 threshold contribution of 20% by QCA. In the same way, all qualifications included in the Secondary School GCSE (and equivalent) Achievement and Attainment Tables have been assigned a percentage contribution to the threshold.
A few examples of qualifications and their threshold contribution and points allocation are illustrated under the 'more information' section of this website.
[ Home | Previous page | Next page ]