How it works

Progress 8 is considered a better way of assessing performance because it measures how well children of all abilities have done compared to similar schools.

Progress 8 is calculated by measuring the performance of children under different categories. including GCSEs in maths and English; three qualifications in science; computer science; history, geography and languages in any combination.

The results are compared to the national average of pupils with similar academic starting positions. A school’s Progress 8 score is usually between minus 1 and plus 1.

Plus 1 means pupils are achieving on average one grade more in each qualification than similar pupils across the country. Minus 1 means they are achieving one grade less in each qualification.

Schools with a score of minus 0.5 are not achieving the minimum standard the government expects. They could come under increased scrutiny by Ofsted. Schools with a score of +0.5 are making well above average progress. Attainment 8 measures achievement. Pupils are given a score in the eight subjects taken for GCSEs and approved nonGCSEs. These are:

English and maths (which have double weighting); Three out of sciences, geography, computer sciences and history, which count towards the English Baccalaureate. To make up the final tally, the choice is either three more subjects from the previous group, or from other approved academic, arts or vocational subjects.