Performance data glossary

Pupil performance data is full of technical terms and acronyms. Keep our performance data glossary on hand to help you decode your data reports, with a downloadable version to share with new governors.

Last reviewed on 31 May 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 35856
Contents
  1. Technical terms
  2. Attainment measures
  3. Progress measures
  4. Pupil characteristics
  5. Downloadable version

Technical terms

Term Meaning Attainment The results that pupils achieve as measured in assessments and examinations (e.g. Key Stage 2 (KS2) SATS results). Attainment results are usually defined as grades, scores or levels achieved by pupils Progress Pupils' achievements over a period of time, for example from KS2 to KS4. Progress is measured by comparing a pupil's current attainment with their previous attainment relative to other pupils with similar starting points (see progress score below) Adjusted score (at KS2) A pupil's progress score at the end of KS2 can be 'adjusted' in a small number of cases. This is because some progress scores can be disproportionately negative and can distort the overall picture of a school's progress score. To avoid this, these low pupil scores are adjusted to a minimum progress score  Average KS2 score (previously known as 'estimated' score) The anticipated scores that pupils will achieve in KS2 SATs based