Blog: What is Progress 8

When choosing a secondary school for your child in England, you may have come across the term "Progress 8 score." But what does this score mean, and how can it help you make an informed decision?

Progress 8 is a measure of the progress students make from the end of primary school (Key Stage 2) to the end of secondary school (Key Stage 4). It compares the actual grades achieved by students in eight GCSE subjects to the grades they were expected to achieve based on their prior attainment at Key Stage 2. This comparison is made against other students who were at a similar level at the end of primary school.

The eight subjects used to calculate Progress 8 scores include English, Mathematics, three other English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, and three additional approved qualifications. For more information on how these subjects are chosen and weighted, please refer to our blog post on Attainment 8.

A Progress 8 score of zero indicates that students, on average, achieved the grades they were expected to based on their prior attainment. A positive score means that students performed better than expected, while a negative score suggests that students made less progress than expected.

Progress 8 scores provide valuable insights into how well a school supports its students in making academic progress, regardless of their starting points. This is particularly useful because it can highlight schools that may not have the highest-achieving students at the start of secondary school but still manage to help their students make significant progress. In other words, a school with a lower average attainment level at Key Stage 2 can still achieve a good Progress 8 score if they effectively support their students' learning and development throughout secondary school.

This information can help parents make more informed decisions when choosing a school for their child, as it demonstrates the school's ability to nurture and support students' academic growth, regardless of their initial attainment levels.

However, it's essential to remember that Progress 8 scores should not be the only factor in deciding on a school. Other aspects, such as a school's ethos, extracurricular activities, pastoral care, and location, should also be considered to ensure that the chosen school is the best fit for your child's individual needs and aspirations.

Progress 8 scores are a valuable tool for evaluating a school's performance in England by comparing students' actual grades to their expected grades based on prior attainment. By understanding how these scores work and what they represent, parents can make more informed choices when selecting a secondary school that will best support their child's academic progress and overall development.

You can view the Progress 8 score on School Ratings under the "GCSE Results" section on a school page.