A closer look at pupils who did not achieve the basics at GCSE
We use data from 1,500 secondary schools to look at the characteristics and grades of pupils who did not achieve a grade 4 or above in English and/or maths GCSE.
How far do pupils travel to alternative provision (and does this affect their attendance)?
We find that absence in AP schools doesn't appear to be associated with how far away pupils live. We also find that subsidiary-registered pupils tend to be absent less often at AP schools than their other schools.
The disadvantage gap at Key Stage 2 in 2024
We use data from schools who participated in this year's KS2 Early Results Service to explore how attainment varied by disadvantage this year
The rise and rise of Education, Health and Care Plans
The rate at which pupils are obtaining EHC plans has been growing at a faster rate in recent years, particularly among older (secondary-age) pupils
When might children with neurodisability conditions benefit from extra support in primary school?
Children with neurodisabilities make up 3.8% of the primary school population in England, but their educational outcomes are understudied. This post looks at what the data tells us about where more support is needed.
School outcomes of “bright” 5-year-olds from poor backgrounds
New research suggests that during primary school “bright” 5-year-olds from poor backgrounds keep pace academically with their equally bright but rich peers. But gaps open up in secondary school.
The disadvantage gap in absence rates around the Year 6 into 7 transition point
Disadvantaged pupils see their absence rates increase by more than their non-disadvantaged peers on transition from Year 6 to Year 7. We use Attendance Tracker data to investigate why.
Why are alternative provision schools so full? An update
According to official statistics, there are fewer pupils in AP schools than pre-pandemic. Yet reports in the media suggests they are struggling to meet demand. We look into this in more detail.
Do pupils in single sex schools get better grades?
Pupils in single sex schools get better grades, on average, than those in mixed schools . We look into why this might be.