Education
In the borough of Rochdale, 49.6 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 4 in English and Maths or equivalent in 2022 at key stage 4. The average Attainment 8 score was 43.5 compared to the national average of 48.9. Discover more about the Progress 8 and Attainment 8 systems.
How is educational attainment measured?
Educational attainment is measured in children at numerous points through childhood as they progress through the education system. During key stage 4, pupils work towards national qualifications, usually GCSEs, which are measured by the percentage of pupils achieving a grade 4 in English and Maths or equivalent, Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores.
Following this they can either stay on to do A levels, study work or job-related courses, train as an apprentice or work whilst studying part-time. Educational attainment is influenced by both the quality of education children receive and their families' socio-economic circumstances.
How does education affect health and wellbeing?
Children's education and development of skills are important for their own wellbeing and for that of the borough as a whole. Learning ensures that children develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes that they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future.
Children with poorer mental health are more likely to have lower educational attainment and there is some evidence to suggest that the highest level of educational qualifications is a significant predictor of wellbeing in adult life. Educational qualifications are a determinant of an individual's labour market position, which in turn influences income, housing and other material resources.
Statistics on educational attainment
- Department For Education (DFE) - Statistical data collections - the DFE publishes a wide range of statistics on education and children covering everything from childcare and attendance to attainment at each stage of school life.
Guidance and supporting information on educational attainment
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Supporting information on education - headline attainment figures on school readiness, GCSE performance and people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) can be found in the education section of PHE's wider determinants profile. There is also a further information section that includes guidance on building resilience in schools, reducing NEETs and programmes to support the home to school transition.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) schools guidance - there are several NICE guidance products that focus on schools and other educational settings including smoking and alcohol prevention and social and emotional wellbeing in education.
- Department For Education - Elective home education guidance - education is a fundamental right for every child and it's recognised that parents have the right to choose to educate their child at home rather than at school. These guidelines have been prepared to help local authorities manage their relationships with home-educating parents.