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Educational attainment

Strong performance in Early Years, with the majority (74%) school ready (2019). Staffordshire remains above national and one of the top performing among similar authorities - currently ranked in the top 25% (31 out of 154).
However, performance falls by year 11, with Staffordshire’s attainment lower than national and the lowest among similar authorities – only 37% achieve a 9-5 pass in English and Maths.
Over half of Staffordshire’s secondary schools are significantly below national for KS4 attainment. In addition, based on school location no district was above national for KS4 attainment.
COVID-19 has significantly impacted education - 27% of residents were worried about the impact of school closures on learning & life chances (Staffordshire COVID-19 Resident Survey)

% EYFS GLD, 2019 %KS4 English & Maths Grades 9-5, 2019

Sources: Department for Education

% KS4 English & Maths Grades 9-5, 2019 (revised)

** by school location

Educational Attainment2

Sources: Department for Education

Inequality in educational outcomes at Early Years Foundation Stage:

At Early Years Foundation Stage:

Attainment is lower among those vulnerable groups, particularly for pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) or with SEND.
56% of FSM eligible pupils achieve a GLD compared to 74% of all pupils, but this falls to 25% for those with SEN Support and 5% for those pupils with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).
This data demonstrates key inequalities in attainment are present for certain vulnerable groups in those early years.
For both early years and KS4, lower attainment is linked to areas facing multiple socio-economic inequalities - Cannock Chase, Newcastle, South Staffs and Tamworth.

EYFS GLD FSM, 2019 EYFS GLD SEN Support, 2019

Sources: Department for Education

Inequality in educational outcomes at Key Stage 4:

At Key Stage 4:

In addition to geographical variation, there is inequality present among the same vulnerable groups for KS4 attainment, with attainment for both FSM eligible pupils and SEND pupils below national.
15% of FSM eligible pupils achieve a 9-5 pass in English and Maths compared to 37% of all pupils, this is the same for those with SEN Support and as low as 3% for those with an EHCP.

%KS4 English & Maths Grade 9-5 FSM, 2019 %KS4 English & Maths Grades 9-5, EHCP, 2019