How We Learn

Rank Order Assessment

We are constantly looking for ways to help students achieve amazing outcomes and to boost motivation. Other high-performing schools and academies, including many within United Learning, cite providing students and parents with rank order information as one of the most effective ways to do this. Initial concerns are always about potentially demotivating those who appear lower in the list. When these concerns are overcome, rank order proves to be a useful and effective piece of information to know. It transcends the constant changes in education labelling and puts understanding achievement firmly back in the hand of students and parents. To be clear: this information already exists. What we are going to do is make it available to parents, carers and students themselves. When we have visited schools that use rank order, far from being demotivating in any way, students describe how they are constantly trying to improve on their own previous position in the year.

At all times we will be offering wrap-around support to students to improve from whichever position they find themselves in.

Frequently Asked Questions

This approach will raise issues and possibly concerns in some minds. This is a process which other schools have gone through and we have provided answers to many common questions if you click on the links below.

What is 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.

Why are we doing Rank Order Assessment?

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.

What will Rank Order Assessment look like?

Student rankings are included in individual pupil reports sent home. The top attaining students for attainment and progress are shared and celebrated in assemblies.

What will the school do with the Rank Order information?

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

Why has my child done well in some subjects but not in others?

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

How will we support students who find themselves at the bottom of a Rank Order or dropping places?

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

When will Rank Order happen?

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.

How, as a parent/carer, can I support my child with Rank Order Assessment?

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.

Will students be rewarded for their Rank Order?

We reward students achieving high ranks and those making progress. This occurs through reward assemblies to acknowledge hard work and commitment to excellence.

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