Rank Order Assessment

Rank Order Assessment is the process of assessing students, ideally through formalised examinations, and then ranking them from top to bottom performer in each subject and overall.

We're always looking for ways to help students achieve great results and stay motivated. Sharing rank order information is a powerful way to do this. National GCSE grade boundaries use rank order, allowing students and parents to know where they stand as early as Year 7, giving them plenty of time to take action.

Rank Order leaderboards in school display students from top to bottom. Students are given a unique personal code (unless they're in the top 50, whose names will be displayed). The code or name will appear on the board, but unless the student shares it, the information remains confidential. Student rankings are also included in individual pupil reports sent home.

The rank order helps us set students for English, Maths and Science. In Years 7-9 rank order also shows the most appropriate stream for other subjects, based on their results in History, Geography, RE and French/Spanish. We track students’ movement up or down in rank order between assessments, rewarding progress and intervening if needed. This information is shared with parents.

Students take assessments in most subjects twice a year, offering a chance to review sets for English, Maths and Science and streamed groups.

Students at the lower end of the rank order receive tailored support, including after-school sessions and reading assistance. Some parents may be invited for a meeting with a member of the Leadership Team to discuss reasons for a low rank order.

For privacy, results are anonymized, except for the top 50 students. If you prefer your child not to appear on the rank order list, please contact Ms. Strickett to discuss. Students whose data isn’t included in a rank order list will complete all assessments as usual.

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are assessed and rank-ordered twice a year. Year 7 students have an extra ‘baseline’ assessment early in the first term to determine appropriate sets/streams.

Parents can support by encouraging a positive attitude to learning, monitoring homework on online platforms, and ensuring excellent attendance. Students with good attendance and completion are more likely to improve their rank order.

We reward students achieving high ranks and those making progress. Progress badges are given in reward assemblies to acknowledge hard work and commitment to excellence.