Understanding School Performance Tables
Your comprehensive guide to interpreting school data and making informed decisions
Introduction to Performance Tables
School performance tables, often called league tables, are powerful tools that can help you understand how well schools are performing academically. However, they’re just one piece of the puzzle when choosing the right school for your child.
What You’ll Learn
- How to interpret key performance metrics like Progress 8 and Attainment 8
- What the numbers really mean for your child’s education
- How to use data alongside other factors in your decision
- Common pitfalls to avoid when interpreting school data
Why Performance Tables Matter
Performance tables provide objective, standardized data about academic achievement across schools. They help level the playing field by allowing you to compare schools using the same metrics, regardless of their location or intake.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these tables show academic performance at a specific point in time and may not reflect recent improvements, the school’s culture, or how well it might suit your individual child’s needs.
Key Metrics Explained
Understanding these core metrics is essential for interpreting school performance data effectively. Click on each metric to learn more.
Progress 8
Measures student progress from KS2 to KS4
Attainment 8
Average achievement across 8 key subjects
EBacc Entry
Percentage entering English Baccalaureate subjects
Basics (9-5)
Achieving grade 5+ in English and maths
Understanding the Data
School performance scores are calculated using complex formulas that consider student starting points, subject weighting, and national comparisons.
Interpreting Rankings
Rankings show academic achievement at a point in time but don’t capture school culture, extra-curricular activities, or student wellbeing.
Beyond the Numbers
Consider Ofsted ratings, extra-curricular offerings, school culture, and your child’s specific needs alongside performance data.
Using Tables in Your Search
Start with location, filter by key metrics, compare similar schools, and always visit to verify the data matches your experience.
Interactive Tools
Use our interactive calculators and quizzes to better understand performance metrics and test your knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are performance tables updated?
Performance tables are typically updated annually, usually in January following the previous academic year’s results.
Should I only consider schools with positive Progress 8 scores?
Not necessarily. Consider the confidence intervals, trends over time, and whether the school offers what your child needs.
How do grammar schools typically perform in league tables?
Grammar schools usually have very high Attainment 8 scores due to their selective intake. However, their Progress 8 scores are often around zero or slightly negative because their students start from a high baseline.
What if a school doesn’t have performance data available?
New schools, small schools, or special schools might not have published performance data. In these cases, focus on Ofsted reports, visit the school, speak to current parents, and ask the school directly about their academic outcomes and how they measure success.
How important is the EBacc in choosing a school?
The EBacc ensures students study a broad range of academic subjects. A high EBacc entry rate suggests the school values academic rigor. However, if your child has specific interests in creative or technical subjects, a lower EBacc entry might actually indicate more flexibility in the curriculum.
Key Takeaways
- Performance tables are valuable tools but should be one of many factors in your decision
- Progress 8 shows how well a school helps students improve, regardless of starting point
- Consider trends over time rather than single year results
- Always visit schools and speak to staff and current parents
- The best school is one that meets your child’s individual needs
Ready to Find the Perfect School?
Use your new understanding of performance tables to search and compare schools in your area