You may be aware that the national school performance tables were published on Thursday 26 January. These tables provide information based on the results achieved in the examinations taken in summer 2011.
This year the Department for Education (DfE) claims to have published 400% more data about secondary schools than previously. Of particular interest are the data relating to the “English Baccalaureate” (EBacc). To achieve the EBacc requires A*-C grades at GCSE level (not “equivalent examinations such as BTec) in English, maths, a language, history or geography, and two sciences.
The DfE press release says:
“Thanks to the introduction of the EBacc, we are opening up opportunities for all pupils to study the core academic subjects that employers and universities demand.”
It is very encouraging to note that:
• 15.4% of pupils in state schools across the country (17.6% including independent schools) achieved the EBacc compared with 21% at Archbishop Lanfranc
• 35.2% of “high attaining” pupils in state schools across the country (37.2% including independent schools) achieved the EBacc compared with 53% at Archbishop Lanfranc
• 21.6% of pupils in state schools across the country (23.7% including independent schools) were entered for a combination of subjects that could lead to the Ebacc compared with 31% at Archbishop Lanfranc
Our success in the EBacc reflects the values stated in our curriculum policy; we have always believed in pupils pursuing a broad, balanced and rigorous curriculum, including a language for the majority.