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School performance

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We are very proud of the achievements of our schools. Information on how well schools near you are doing is available from Ofsted and from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

School achievement and attainment tables

Every year the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) publishes information on the achievement and attainment of pupils in all schools. These tables provide a guide to how well a school is doing. They list National Curriculum test results for each school in England and show how they compare with other schools.

There are four tables published each year:

  • Key Stage 2 tables (with Key Stage 2 test results for all state primary schools in England)
  • Key Stage 3 tables (with Key Stage 3 test results for all state secondary schools in England)
  • Key Stage 4 tables (with results for GCSEs and equivalent qualifications)
    post-16 tables (with results in general and vocational AS and A levels,
  • Key Skills at level 3, Advanced Extension Awards, other advanced vocational qualifications and intermediate vocational qualifications)


Test results will not give you a complete picture of a school, but they may help you to form a fuller impression of a school you are considering. You'll also be able to see how each school compares with the average for your local authority area and across the country.

How to find achievement and attainment data online


How to order printed copies of the test results

The School and College Attainment Orderline is a phoneline run by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. School and college achievement and attainment tables (formerly performance tables) can be ordered from this line or via the website.


Ofsted reports

Ofsted inspects all state schools in England at least every three years. After the inspection is complete, Ofsted publish a report. When assessing a school, inspectors consider evidence from a range of sources including:

  • the school's self-evaluation (the school's assessment of its own performance)
  • performance data
  • pupils' work
  • lesson observations
  • input from parents
  • discussions with pupils and staff


The inspection report includes an overall assessment of the school's effectiveness, along with specific judgements on:

  • achievement and standards
  • pupils' personal development and well-being
  • the quality of teaching and learning
  • curriculum provision
  • the care, guidance and support provided by the school
  • the leadership and management of the school


The judgements are made on a four point scale - a one is 'outstanding', two is 'good', three 'satisfactory' and four 'inadequate'.

The report also indicates what the school should do to improve. The school is expected to use Ofsted's recommendations as a basis for making improvements as quickly as possible.


How to find Ofsted reports online

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