DfE to stop grading English schools based on proportion of Russell Group students

The Department for Education (DfE) is set to abolish its current school performance metric which judged institutions based on the proportion of their students gaining entry to Russell Group universities. The move, expected to be announced in the coming weeks, has been welcomed by educators who argue the current system unfairly penalizes schools serving disadvantaged communities.

The current metric, part of the Progress 8 measure, was criticized for failing to acknowledge the diverse range of post-school destinations students pursue. Critics pointed out that schools in deprived areas with high proportions of disadvantaged students, often faced with limited access to higher education opportunities, were unfairly judged compared to schools with higher rates of Russell Group admissions. This, they argued, contributed to a narrow focus on academic achievement at the expense of broader student development and well-being.

The DfE’s decision signals a shift in priorities, prioritizing a more holistic understanding of school performance. Instead of solely focusing on university destinations, the new performance framework is expected to emphasize a wider range of measures, including student progress, well-being, and participation in apprenticeships and other vocational pathways.

This move is likely to be met with mixed reactions. While many welcome the focus on a more inclusive approach, some argue that Russell Group entry remains a valuable indicator of academic attainment. The DfE will need to ensure the new system is robust, transparent, and truly reflects the diverse talents and aspirations of all students.