Attainment 8 Open
DfE Performance Tables
Attainment 8 score for the open element (3 other approved qualifications)
Understanding Attainment 8 Open
This score represents the “open” element of Attainment 8 — the three remaining slots that can be filled with any approved qualifications after English, Maths, and EBacc subjects are counted.
What Qualifies for Open Slots
The open slots can include:
- Additional GCSEs: Art, Music, Drama, PE, Religious Studies, and more
- Vocational qualifications: BTECs, Cambridge Nationals, and other approved vocational courses
- Additional EBacc subjects: If a student takes more than required
Each slot contributes up to 9 points, for a maximum of 27 points from the open element.
Why Open Slots Matter
The open element allows schools to:
- Offer a broader curriculum beyond core academics
- Include vocational and creative subjects
- Tailor education to student interests and strengths
- Recognise achievement across diverse disciplines
Interpreting the Scores
- 20+ points: Strong performance across additional subjects
- 15-20 points: Good, solid achievement
- 10-15 points: Average
- Below 10 points: Below average
Considerations
Schools with high open slot scores may be:
- Offering strong vocational programmes
- Supporting creative and practical subjects
- Helping students achieve highly across a broad curriculum
The open element ensures schools can showcase student achievement beyond the core academic subjects, recognising that success comes in many forms.
Technical Details
- Column Name
- attainment8_open
- Data Source
- DfE Performance Tables
Coverage by School Phase
How many schools have data available for this field.
This field does not contribute to the performance score calculation.
Distribution by School Phase
Statistical distribution of values across schools.
Related Fields
Fields that correlate with Attainment 8 Open. Click to explore.