Attainment beyond the basics at age 16

Indicators

Impact Indicator 5: Percentage of pupils achieving the English Baccalaureate at age 16.

About the indicators

This indicator measures the percentage of all pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 (typically age 16) who achieved grades A* to C in the core academic subjects – English, maths, sciences, a foreign language and history or geography.

Why do we measure it?

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) recognises the success of those young people who attain GCSEs, or accredited versions of established iGCSEs, at grades A* to C across a core of academic subjects - English, maths, geography or history, the sciences and a language; an AS level in any of these subjects is also recognised. 
 
The Government is concerned that the number of young people, especially those in disadvantaged areas, who receive this broad education in core academic subjects, is far too small. They want to encourage more young people to take these core subjects and ensure that all young people have the opportunity to study for the EBacc.

There are clear benefits to pupils in taking the subjects combined in the EBacc; they are more likely to progress to A levels than those with similar attainment in different subjects and to attempt a greater number of A levels and achieve better results. Our leading universities say that these are the subjects most commonly required for entry onto their courses.

The data

Further information

Further information on this indicator and associated data can be found within our statistical first release and in the school and college performance table.