Key Stage 4 attainment measures how pupils perform in their GCSEs — often the decisive stage of compulsory education.This indicator is more than an academic benchmark; it reflects the pathways young people can access next: employment, apprenticeships, college, or university.

Key Stage 2 (KS2) attainment measures how well children perform in reading, writing, and maths by the end of primary school (age 11).It is one of the clearest indicators of educational quality, early opportunity, and long-term life chances. KS2 doesn’t just reflect academic ability — it reflects the environments where children grow, learn, and build confidence.