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Progress 8: definition and summary

Understand what the progress 8 measure is and how scores are calculated, including for pupils with missing or incomplete data. Find out how to access your school's last available scores.

Last reviewed on 20 January 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: Secondary•Ref: 11635
Contents
  1. Progress 8 is a performance measure for secondary schools
  2. Individual scores are calculated for each pupil
  3. Your school's score is an average
  4. Pupils with incomplete or no KS2 results, and those working below the level of the test
  5. Access your progress scores
  6. Next steps

This article is based on the DfE's guidance on secondary accountability measures, linked above.

Progress 8 is a performance measure for secondary schools

It applies to all maintained schools and academies, including special schools.

Progress 8 aims to capture the progress pupils make from the end of primary (KS2) to the end of KS4, compared to other pupils nationally who had similar prior attainment. 

It tracks this across 8 subjects (their attainment 8 score) – you can read more about which qualifications count towards progress 8 in our other article. 

Please note: The DfE has set out plans to develop and consult on an 'improved version' of progress 8, and publish the outcome in summer term 2026. You can find this information in the DfE's explanation of the proposed improved model (see page 3).

Each pupil's score compares their attainment 8 score with the average attainment 8 score of pupils nationally with