Understanding Primary School Performance Tables

Performance tables are published by the Department for Education to show how schools are performing based on national assessments, such as SATs in Year 6. They provide information on pupils’ attainment and progress compared to national averages. These tables are designed to give parents an overview of how well a school supports children’s learning, but they do not tell the whole story. Schools offer much more than test results, including personal development, creativity, and wellbeing. When looking at performance tables, it’s important to consider them alongside other factors, such as the school’s ethos, curriculum, and the happiness of its pupils.