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Headline EBacc attainment measure to be replaced by average points score

The headline EBacc attainment league table measure is set to be replaced by a new rating where schools are given an average EBacc points score.

The government currently publishes the proportion of pupils achieving a grade 5 or above in EBacc subjects.

But from next year schools will instead be given an EBacc average point score – which measures pupil point scores across the five pillars of the EBacc.

The report reads: “This will ensure the achievements of all pupils are recognised, not just those at particular grade boundaries, encouraging schools to enter pupils of all abilities, and support them to achieve their full potential.”

Schools will be sent their results under the new headline measures this year, but the measures will not be published until the 2018 academic year.

Then, from 2019, the DfE also intends to publish EBacc entry and attainment data for mainstream secondary schools with similar intakes, and a value-added measure on EBacc entry, to show how a school’s entry rates compare to those nationally for pupils with similar prior attainment.

The government finally responded today to the EBacc consultation – nearly 18 months after the consultation closed.

As reported by Schools Week, it’s one of several responses well overdue from the department.

The government confirmed its manifesto pledge that the target to have 90 per cent of pupils studying EBacc subjects by 2020 will be pushed back five years.

Instead, schools would have to meet a 75 per cent target by 2022.

The consultation also states that Ofsted will issue a note to clarify how inspection will reflect the EBacc changes.

It adds: “As now, no single measure, including EBacc entry and achievement rates, will determine the outcome of a school inspection and Ofsted will not be setting any particular thresholds within those measures to determine inspection outcomes.”

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