The Relevance of Performance Tables in English Primary Schools
The publication of school performance tables has been well publiscised and the edition concerning 2010 has been available for a little while. The relevancy for secondary eduction relates to examination results at what is now called GCSE and equivalent which is generally at the age of 16, together with Key Stage 5 which is commonly referred to as A Levels at age 18. These two performance quotes are therefore relevant for academically capable children, and generally those schools which are selective in the students that enrol achieve higher percentages. However, what should also be looked at is the results published at Key Stage 2 which is at Year 2 in Primary school. Again the results are dependent upon the general capability of the children in each year. Therefore, if a particular year has a higher than normal number of children with a statement of special education needs and that if there is an environment where children are not encouraged in their learning outside of school hours t