As the 2026 GCSE exam season gets into full swing, parents may be more exposed to news about students sitting their GCSE exams. local newspapers have recently covered how state secondary schools and grammar schools in Bexley have been performing.
One of the main ways schools are compared to one another is via Attainment 8. But what is Attainment 8? And why should it matter to parents?
The government’s main measure is called Attainment 8. It’s a single score showing the average GCSE results of students at a school across eight subjects.
A higher Attainment 8 score generally means students leave with stronger grades (a score of 47 is average for a school in England). But – and this is crucial – grammar schools will almost always score higher because they select pupils who already have a high ability. Thus, comparing grammar schools and state schools is not a fair comparison.
Many people say the Progress 8 is a much better measure of how good a job a school is doing.
These league-style school comparisons are of particular interest to parents looking to select a secondary school for their Year 6 child. Parents looking to use such information should keep the following in mind:
1. Compare grammar schools to grammar schools only
In Bexley, the grammar schools (Beths, Bexley Grammar School, Townley and Chislehurst & Sidcup) will have the highest scores – often in the 60s or 70s. Whilst this looks fantastic on paper, bear in mind that grammar schools select high-attaining pupils to begin with. It does not necessarily mean that teaching is better.
2. For non-selective schools, look for scores above 45–50
A non-selective school with an Attainment 8 score above 45 is doing very well for its intake. Pay more attention to the percentage getting grade 5+ in English and Maths – that is a practical measure of how many children leave ready for sixth form or work.
3. Don’t rely on one number – check Progress 8 as well
The Department for Education also publishes Progress 8 scores, which measures how much students improve from age 11 to 16. For parents of a child who is not necessarily top set, Progress 8 is more important:
Progress 8 above 0 = students made more progress than the national average
Progress 8 below 0 = students made less progress
4. Don’t rely exclusively on numbers
Every child is different. A school performing well in the league tables does not automatically mean it is the right environment for your child. Use other types of information available to you to reach a balanced decision about a school. This could include visiting schools, speaking to other parents, etc. Remember, many children attending a grammar school were former students of 11 plus tuition centres in Bexley (or elsewhere) so they may be suited and used to the faster pace of learning at a grammar school, but this may not be the case for every child.
Looking for downloadable resources? head to our downloads page.