National statistics on GCSE and A-level outcomes and destinations

The Department for Education (DfE) has issued 2017/18 provisional grades for key stage 4 (external link)  and key stage 5 (external link)  qualifications and 2016/17 data on the destinations of key stage 4 and 5 pupils (external link).  Amongst the key headlines, the data shows that:

• the average attainment 8 score for GCSE pupils in state-funded schools across England was 46.4, up by 0.4 compared to 2017
• the average grade at A-level remains the same as last year (at C+), whereas the numbers taking level 2 technical or vocational qualifications increased by nearly 10%
• the numbers of pupils in “sustained destinations” following key stage 4 and 5 remains stable (at 94% and 89% respectively) compared to last year, although the data shows that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are 5% less likely to stay in sustained education (such as University) after key stage 5
• Nationally and in London there has been a 0.2 increase on the Attainment 8 score from 2017 to 2018. Nationally the provisional 2018 score is 46.1 and 49.1 in London.
• Haringey’s provisional score is 0.4 points lower than 2017, but this is expected to increase once the results are validated.
• The average points score A level of 32.19 is similar to last year and remains above the national figure. Haringey’s vocational average point score has dropped from the previous year but has narrowed the gap with the national score.

While this data is useful for those governing to make broad comparisons between their school and others nationally, GCSE and A-level statistics are subject to change once grade appeals/remarks are taken into account and governing boards need to take into account the particular context of their school.

While the pressures of accountability measures sometimes lead schools to adapt their curriculum, those governing are reminded of their duties to protect pupil wellbeing and to ensure that they receive a broad and balanced curriculum. Part of this involves gaining assurances from the lead executive that pupils are being entered for qualifications which match their ability.