Value added scores for GCSE results (FOI)

​Request  

Please can I have the value added scores for GCSE results 2014/2015 for Jersey secondary schools.

Response

The purpose of value added (VA) measures is to look at how much progress pupils have made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4.

The methodology used by the Education Department to date has been ‘Best 8’. Best 8 VA scores presented below for schools in Jersey have been calculated using UK Department for Education methodology.

To calculate value added, an estimated outcome for each pupil at the end of key stage 4 is compared to their actual performance in key stage 4 examinations. 

Estimated outcomes have been established by the UK Department for Education by looking at the actual key stage 4 performance of all pupils in England and working out the average key stage 4 points achieved by pupils nationally of similar ability at the end of key stage 2. 

These key stage 4 'estimated outcomes' can then be compared against what pupils actually achieve in key stage 4 examinations. The difference between a pupil’s actual key stage 4 performance and their estimated key stage 4 performance gives each pupil their VA score. 

The average VA score for all pupils in a school can then be calculated to find a school’s VA score, which helps to identify schools whose pupils make more progress or less progress than average.