Ofqual wants focus on progression in new league tables

The exams watchdog has suggested basing the new floor standard at GCSE on progression in English and maths, rather than absolute performance.

Ofqual has also advised that English and maths should have greater weighting in the proposed “Best 8” league table measure.

The Department for Education is currently consulting over plans to change school accountability measures, having recognised that the current five A* to C benchmark creates too much of a focus on borderline students.

Plans are for a new “Best 8” progress measure which includes eight selected subjects. These will include English and maths, three further English Baccalaureate subjects, and three others.

The consultation document states: “The remaining three slots could be taken up by further qualifications from the range of EBacc subjects, or any other high value arts, academic, or vocational qualifications.”