Level analysis

Looking at current attainment by the percentage of pupils achieving a level or grade helps us compare performance, identify improvement and target resources. The data can be displayed in three ways.

This type of threshold graph shows the distribution of levels awarded in a subject in a cumulative way.

The data is shown cumulatively. The first data point shows us that 96.6% of pupils gained level 3 and above, the second set of data points shows that fewer pupils, 65.5% gained the next highest level or above, and so on.

You can compare threshold graphs:

• between subjects at a key stage;
• within subjects across key stages.

When viewing a threshold graph, you should start by looking at the bottom line for any significance.

Then look at the graph or table to see if the school attainment differs from the national values. Look for the largest differences. Consider any patterns and possible reasons.

Data can be displayed showing the results at a specific level and above. This is an easy to use format that quickly lets us make comparisons. In this graph we can see that mathematics results for level 4+ are lower than other core subjects. These comparisons can be usefully made with national levels.

Threshold levels

Data can be displayed showing the results at a specific level and above. This is an easy to use format that quickly lets us make comparisons. In this graph we can see that mathematics results for level 4+ are lower than other core subjects. These comparisons can be usefully made with national levels.

Actual levels

Some graphs will show the results of pupils just gaining a given level or gaining each level.  In this graph we can see most pupils gained a level 4, while very few gained a level 5.  Again we could make a comparison with the national data or other subjects.

See also: Conversion tables