Languages were less harshly graded at GCSE this year, but there is still some way to go
GCSEs in modern foreign languages have historically been severely graded. We look to see if anything has changed with the introduction of new specifications.
Exclusions and suspensions in 2025/26
An update to our regular series using attendance data to gauge the rate of exclusion and suspension in the whole of the 2025/26 academic year.
The links between disadvantage and the achievement grade in school inspection
Recent Ofsted analysis showed that achievement grades in inspection were related to the attainment of disadvantaged pupils. We dig into this a bit more.
Key Stage 2 attainment, lifetime absence and context
We look at the relationship between Key Stage 2 attainment and absence over (almost) the whole of primary school but also show the importance of considering context when interpreting attainment data alongside absence data.
The transition from primary to secondary for pupils with special educational needs (SEN)
We look at how identification of SEN changes from Year 6 to Year 7, and the types of school that pupils move into.
Using administrative data to study initial post-16 destinations
Some thoughts about the advantages and disadvantages of using administrative data from the National Pupil Database to calculate rates of young people not in education, employment and training (NEET).
How will qualification entry patterns change as a result of changes to Attainment 8?
Expect an increase in entries in creative subjects and fewer entries in geography, history and triple science
Exclusions and suspensions in Autumn 2025/26
Early signs for 2025/26 suggest that suspensions are continuing to fall from their 2023/24 peak
Outcomes for pupils with low reading attainment at Key Stage 2
Low attainment in Key Stage 2 reading tests does not necessarily lead to poor outcomes at secondary school, but it does increase the chances of poor outcomes.