On Thursday 5th December, the Department for Education published this year’s analysis of summer 2024 GCSE examination outcomes, and we are delighted to report that High Storrs achieved an overall Progress 8 figure of +0.88. In comparison to other schools nationally, this put High Storrs “Well Above Average” (according to the DfE website). This figure is a wonderful outcome, and a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by students, staff and families in helping Y11s to succeed in their Y10 and Y11 examinations.
Whilst we are more than aware that secondary school is about much more than passing exams, the success of our students provides them with the opportunities for next steps after Y11 whether into 6th form, college, employment or further training.
What is Progress 8 and what does it mean?
Progress 8 (P8) is the measure used by the Department of Education to judge the progress that students make within a school from Y7-Y11, based on the scores gained in KS2 SATS tests at the end of Y6. It compares students of similar abilities (based on KS2 scores) and what those students achieve on average nationally at the end of Y11. So, a P8 score of +0.88 means that students at High Storrs on average achieve nearly one whole grade better in each of their GCSE subjects that their peers of similar ability across the country.
The DfE are also clear that schools should support vulnerable and disadvantaged students to ensure they receive the same educational opportunities as other students. At High Storrs, our disadvantaged students showed even greater success, with a P8 score of +1.12.
As reported in the Sheffield Star, our overall P8 figure of +0.88 makes us the second highest performing school in Sheffield, behind only Mercia based on progress information. You can compare the performance of High Storrs against other schools in Sheffield and nationally using the DfE website – please click here to access this.
In addition, the Sunday Times Schools Guide 2025 listed High Storrs as the 6th highest performing school in the North of England and in the top 200 schools nationally. Whilst Progress 8 is based on student progress at GCSE, the Sunday Times ranking is based on attainment at both GCSE and A-Level. We are equally proud of both the progress that our students make and also the grades that they achieve – at A-Level, 34% of grades were A*-A and 67% were A*-B. At GCSE, 25% of all grades awarded were 9-8, 45% were 9-7 and 82% were 9-5.
A major part of this success is based on our focus on student attitude to learning, rather than chasing target grades. Our ethos and the culture within our school is for students to love learning, work hard and achieve their full potential in each subject. Focusing on how to succeed, rather than on just succeeding, helps students develop the skills they need for life – not just for exams.
We are incredibly proud of our whole High Storrs Community – the success displayed by our Y11s and Y13s is the result of real teamwork and togetherness of all involved, and we would like to thank families for their continued support.