Preparing for Progress 8

Friday, 14 February 2014

Progress 8: What does it mean for you?

Progress 8 measures set to come into force in 2016 represent a fundamental change in the way that school results are measured.

The changes aim to shift away from a focus on students obtaining a minimum grade C and instead towards helping them make as much progress as possible. This is an attempt to address concerns that the previous system may have encouraged attention on borderline pupils to the detriment of higher ability and lower ability students.

From 2016, schools will be measured on four key areas, rather than just the number that achieve five GCSE at grade A-C. These areas will be:

• Pupils’ progress across 8 subjects (English and maths - both double weighted, three further EBacc subjects, and three other qualifications, including art, music and drama, and vocational subjects such as engineering and business). Their progress will be compared to predictions based on achievements at Key Stage 2.


• Whether pupils at a school typically achieve an average of one grade more than expected or one grade less


• The percentage of pupils achieving a C grade in English and maths


• The proportion of pupils gaining the EBacc

On announcing the measures, David Laws also pointed out: “In a recently published book ‘The Tail’, the authors argued that the last 15 years have seen rises in average attainment, but not in the attainment of those at the bottom. International surveys such as TIMMS confirm this position. We need secondary schools to give more attention to pupils who are falling behind.”

What does Progress 8 mean for you?

With the new measures coming in in 2016, and being optional from 2015, obviously schools need to start planning now so they can clearly show that all students are progressing.

Our GCSE resources are specifically focused on progression and raising attainment, and we have proven results at helping lower attaining learners achieve more and make measurable progress. Using clear tracking tools, vision2learn for schools makes it simpler for teachers to pinpoint specific areas for improvement.

Our latest GCSE resources – iGCSE First Language English and GCSE Statistics – join GCSEs in Child Development, Leisure and Tourism and Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics), meaning that many of the core elements of the ‘basket of 8’ are covered, and our suite is growing all the time.

These GCSE resources are perfectly complemented by supporting resources such as Level 2 Maths and Functional Skills Maths and English, which are ideal for learners who need to build their confidence and skills up in these core subjects.

We also offer a suite of vocational qualifications, including Business and Administration Levels 2 and 3, making vision2learn for schools an ideal investment for schools preparing for Progress 8.

Find out more

• Find out more about our GCSE resources and other online resources


• Book a meeting