Our Sixth Form ranks in the top 3% for A level progress
11th March 26
Everyone here at The King Alfred School is celebrating our academic achievement following the publication of national exam data by the Department for Education (DfE) last month. The figures show that KAS has secured an impressive value-added (VA) score of +0.47 at A level. This result, also known as a student progress score, places the school among the top 3% of schools in the country*.
Head, Robert Lobatto said: “The measure that sheds most light on the quality of education within an individual school is the value added (VA) score. This analyses how well students did in relation to their starting point – did they achieve below, above or in line with their expected academic trajectory? We can see from our figure that we successfully support students to achieve or exceed their expected results.”
A level value-added scores measure the progress students make from their GCSE starting points compared to peers with similar prior attainment nationally. The metric offers a powerful indicator of how effectively a school supports and challenges its students. The DfE figures include almost all state and independent schools across England, giving a robust national comparison.
How does KAS compare to other schools when looking at progress scores?
Our unique and welcoming Sixth Form is home to students who have been at the school since Reception, Year 7, and those who have chosen to come to the school for A level. Analysis of the progress scores shows KAS performing consistently strongly when compared to other schools and colleges that entered students for A level qualifications, both locally and nationally:
KAS ranked:
- 4th overall in Barnet
- 10th among all London independent schools
- 65th nationally
- 44th among independent schools nationally
We also analysed the data after removing schools with fewer than 100 A level entries as these smaller cohorts can cause statistical skewing. Under this more reliable measure, KAS performs even more strongly.
KAS Ranking (against schools with 100+ exam entries):
- 3rd overall in Barnet
- 5th among London independent schools
- 28th nationally
- 23rd among independent schools nationally
The school’s VA score of +0.47 also compares favourably to the scores of local state Sixth Forms and other Independent schools with a similar progressive ethos.
A testament to students and staff
Data alone never tells the full story, but these results provide a strong indicator of the high-quality teaching and support offered at KAS. We’re proud of the all-round excellent education the school provides, which gives students the skills and attributes not only to achieve academically, but to thrive outside of the school environment.
Head, Robert Lobatto, commented: “This is a significant achievement for our community. To see KAS ranking so highly, locally and nationally, for value-added is a real testament to the commitment, skill and passion of our staff. We know there is always important work still to do, but this is something we can all be proud of.”
“This is something we can all be proud of.” Robert Lobatto, Head
*When compared to 2,604 schools across England who entered students for A level qualifications, The King Alfred School school ranks 65th which places it in the top 3% of schools (2.49%)
