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Location, location, location: what do league tables really tell us about primary schools?

Easen, P.; Bolden, D.

Authors

P. Easen



Abstract

This paper examines the use of 'league tables', based upon 'performance data', by the government to distinguish between primary schools. Date concerning one Northern Local Education Authority, were analysed. It was found that the position of a school in the League Tables of unadjusted scores tended to reflect the background characteristics, in particular the socio-economic status (SES), of its pupil population. Furthermore, the 'value-added' measure whilest enhancing our understanding of the differences between schools does not do so in a way that sufficiently takes into account the background factors influencing pupils performance. Currently the League Tables present a simplistic, even potentially misleading picture of primary schools.

Citation

Easen, P., & Bolden, D. (2005). Location, location, location: what do league tables really tell us about primary schools?. Education 3-13, 33(3), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004270585200341

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Oct 1, 2005
Deposit Date May 31, 2012
Journal Education 3-13
Print ISSN 0300-4279
Electronic ISSN 1475-7575
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 33
Issue 3
Pages 49-57
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/03004270585200341