Attainment and outcomes

In this section, Trends In Education and Skills concludes by looking at the returns to the money (section 2) and time (sections 3 & 4) invested in education.

The first indicator shows trends in the attainment of young people and adults relative to the Government’s National Targets (5.1). The foundations for learning are laid in schools, and children’s progress is measured in the Key Stage assessments and tests (5.2 - 5.4).

Public examinations lead to GCSE and Equivalent qualifications (5.5), and then to A/AS Level qualifications (5.6).

Higher Education outcomes (5.7) and Further Education completion (5.8) are analysed with the section closing by looking beyond 'academic' education, towards vocational qualifications (5.9).

The section finishes by looking at the level of highest qualification (5.10) obtained, the successful completion of government supported work-based learning for young people (5.11) , and levels of literacy and numeracy (5.12) among the adult population.

National Statistics

Chart 5.7 c is not classed as National Statistics. However, this information is published in an official report with input from Department statisticians.