Caution when interpreting value added scores in languages at Key Stage 4
We recommend some changes to the languages value added measure published in secondary school performance tables to reflect the languages entered by pupils
Changes in schools’ Progress 8 scores over time
A look at how the Progress 8 scores of schools have changed since the measure was introduced, including breakdowns by region, school type, and school-level disadvantage
Languages are still harshly graded at GCSE
On average, pupils tend to achieve almost a grade lower in French, German and Spanish compared to English and maths
Revisiting subject difficulty at Key Stage 4
We revisit a previous blog looking at points awarded in different subjects relative to English and maths. We find little change compared to pre-pandemic times.
A quick overview of FFT estimates for secondary schools
We discuss where secondary FFT estimates come from, and look at some of their uses and limitations
Why don’t more pupils study modern foreign languages at GCSE?
We look at how entry numbers for GCSEs in modern foreign languages have changed over the last few years
Attainment 8 in 2022
This year, Attainment 8 will (once again) be calculated differently to previous years. We look at this impact this might have.
Why has DfE chosen such an unusual measure as its GCSE target in the new White Paper?
Some initial thoughts about the target set by DfE in its new White Paper to increase the average grade in English language and maths to 5 by 2030.
GCSE results 2021: The main trends in grades and entries
Grades have increased in some subjects