Progress 8

Also called Attainment 8, EBacc, Performance measures

How secondary schools are measured. It shapes which subjects your child is pushed towards.

What it is

Attainment 8 is a pupil's average grade across eight qualifying GCSEs. Progress 8 compares that with the average for pupils with the same Key Stage 2 starting point.

The English Baccalaureate is a separate measure: the percentage of pupils taking and passing English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography.

Where it applies

Secondary schools in England, as accountability measures.

How it works

The eight slots are structured: English and maths double-weighted, three EBacc subjects, and three others.

The structure has consequences for pupils. Schools have an incentive to enter pupils for EBacc subjects, which is why a child may be steered towards a language or a humanity they did not choose.

What you can ask for

Ask why a particular options combination is being recommended, and whether it is for your child or for the measure.

Ask whether a pupil with SEND is being entered for eight qualifications regardless of whether that is right for them. Fewer, better-supported subjects is sometimes the better answer and schools do not always volunteer it.

Where to get help

The school's published performance data on GOV.UK's Compare School Performance service.