DCSF League Tables exclude IGCSE Results

Despite all 138 GCSE students at Reigate Grammar School achieving at least seven A* to C grades at GCSE, the school’s results will not be accurately recorded in the DCSF’s attainment and achievement tables, published today. The DCSF league tables measure students who gain five GCSEs at grades A to C, including Maths and English. The Government’s decision not to recognise the more rigorous IGCSE exams, taken by RGS students in Maths, will see the school’s 100% pass rate, of 5 or more GCSEs at grades A* to C presented as 0% in the DCSF achievement tables.

Commented David Thomas, Headmaster: “We are confident in our academic achievements, with almost two out of every three GCSE grades awarded to our students an A* or A, but my concern is that the information provided in the Government’s league tables is inaccurate. With some state schools now offering the International Baccalaureate as an alternative to A Level, it is nonsensical to exclude IGCSE results in Government league tables. This also raises the issue of whether students in wider education are being offered the exams that best fit their needs. Under the Government’s banner of ‘Every Child Matters’, I would hope that higher achieving students would see their needs catered for with more rigorous exams, such as the IGCSE. “

He continued: “Parents need and deserve full and accurate information when choosing a school and it is clear that the DCSF tables do not provide this. League tables have other flaws and can only ever give a very limited picture of a school. My advice to parents is to visit a school in person, look at the extra-curricular offering as well as the academic achievements in addition to talking to current students and parents to gain a more robust and accurate view of any school.”

Reigate Grammar School moved to the Maths IGCSE exam in November 2004 as it provides a more rigorous examination, is better preparation for AS Level Mathematics and does not include any coursework, thereby allowing more time for teaching the subject throughout the exam course. Year 11 RGS students will also sit IGCSE Science from 2008 and IGCSE English Language from 2009.

January 2008

League tables - What they tell you (and what they don't)