What is Progress 8?
4 min read · updated 2026-09-01
Progress 8 is the government's measure of how much progress students make between Key Stage 2 (Year 6) and GCSE. Unlike raw results, it shows whether a school adds value, because it compares each student to others with the same starting points.
How it works
Every student's KS2 SAT scores are used to predict their expected GCSE grades. Their actual GCSE results are then compared to that prediction. The average of those differences across eight subjects is the school's Progress 8 score. A score of 0 means average progress; +0.5 means students typically achieve half a grade higher than expected.
How parents can use it
When choosing a secondary school, Progress 8 tells you whether the school actually adds value, regardless of whether it serves a privileged or disadvantaged intake. A school with an average intake and a positive Progress 8 score is likely teaching well. Check the DfE's school comparison website for the data.
FAQs
What is a good Progress 8 score?＋
Above 0 is above average; above +0.5 is well above average. Below -0.5 is a signal that students are underperforming relative to their starting points.
Does Progress 8 affect my child's grades?＋
No. It is a school-level accountability measure. It uses individual student data but does not change individual results.
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