Why are League Tables important?

League tables are hugely important – especially for parents investing in independent education for their children.
Whilst few would define “education” as something that can only be measured by a set of exam grades, the reality is that exam grades are undeniably important. Children and parents alike know that achieving highly – and gaining recognition for it – is something to strive for. Grades achieved in public exams have a clear impact on future Higher Education and career options and acknowledging the importance of exam grades by no means devalues the other aspects of education.
  • Parents paying schools to educate their children are entitled to know how children generally tend to perform in exams – but how should you read a league table and which can you rely on? Our League Tables are compiled specifically to assist parents investing in private education, by being the most accurate, comprehensive and user-friendly:
  • Our criteria for measuring schools are 100% clear. We publish the % of top grades achieved by each exam cohort for each qualification – whether GCSE, A-Level/Pre-U and Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers (note – for the IB, we publish the average points achieved by the cohort).
  • We compile our tables from information in the public domain, plus data provided directly by the schools themselves. We are thorough and ensure that all results are correct.
  • We gather results from as close to 100% of independent schools as possible – hence why we generally publish later than the national press.

How to use our League Tables

1.The most important thing to read from any league table is the academic level of the school. If 90% of pupils are achieving top exam grades each year, this tells you that the school will have a highly academic focus.
 
2.  Carefully consider what type of school will suit your child. Schools placed at the top of the tables in any category will be highly selective – children will be required to pass stiff admissions tests in order to gain entry, so it would be advisable to consider whether they are likely to be suited to a high-pressure academic environment beforehand.
 
3. There are many factors to consider when selecting a school for your child. Keep in mind that League Tables do not tell you everything about a school and virtually nothing about the wider education it provides.
 
4.  Many of the most prestigious and successful schools will never place in the top 10 – or even top 50 of the League Tables, because they cater for a wider ability range and for children with a broad range of talents and interest. This is not to say that bright, hardworking children cannot achieve top grades, but it does mean that there will be a space in the school for every child to develop and thrive.