Move away from league tables?

ASCL has given its cautious support to government proposals to introduce progress measures in the form of 'when-ready' tests between 11 and 14, similar to music proficiency exams.

In the Times and Guardian, John Dunford said that ASCL would support the new measures on the condition that they replace the current national tests, rather than being added on top of the current testing regime.

In SecEd, John was quoted as saying, "As it considers the introduction of progress measures, the government should be moving steadily towards the abolition of the 'five good GCSEs or equivalent' measure and associated league tables.

"In particular, these proposals would mean a massive increase in accountability in a system that already makes schools, and heads especially, over-accountable."