2024 School Performance Tables Published
The Department for Education has released the 2024 school performance tables, showing GCSE and A-Level results from last summer. These tables provide valuable insights into how schools are performing academically.
Understanding the Data
The performance tables include several key metrics:
- Progress 8 Scores: Measure how much progress students make between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4
- Attainment 8 Scores: Average grade across 8 key subjects
- EBacc Entry: Percentage of students entering the English Baccalaureate subjects
- Destinations Data: What students do after leaving school
Secondary School Highlights
This year's results show continued recovery following the pandemic, with many schools matching or exceeding their 2019 performance levels.
Top Trends for 2024:
- Improved Progress Scores: National average Progress 8 score returned to pre-pandemic levels
- STEM Subjects: Increased uptake in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Post-16 Pathways: More students pursuing apprenticeships alongside traditional A-Levels
Primary School Performance
Key Stage 2 results (Year 6 SATs) also showed positive trends:
- Reading: 74% of pupils met expected standards (up from 73% in 2023)
- Writing: 71% met expected standards (up from 69% in 2023)
- Mathematics: 75% met expected standards (up from 73% in 2023)
Context Matters
When reviewing performance tables, remember to consider:
- School Context: Schools serve different communities with varying levels of disadvantage
- Progress vs Attainment: Progress measures are often more meaningful than raw results
- Cohort Size: Smaller schools can have more variable results year-to-year
- Special Needs Provision: Schools with higher SEND populations may have different metrics
Regional Variations
The data shows continued variation across regions:
- London: Continues to show strong performance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils
- Southeast: High attainment scores but mixed progress measures
- North: Improving trends with several schools showing exceptional progress
How to Use This Data
League tables are just one tool in your research. UK School Explorer combines this data with:
- Ofsted inspection reports
- School characteristics and demographics
- Location and catchment information
- Historical trend data
This comprehensive view helps you make informed decisions about your child's education.
Explore detailed performance data for any school in England using UK School Explorer's advanced search and comparison tools.