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League Tables
 
Many parents will see League Tables as a key to assessing a school’s academic achievement especially to those who are not familiar with the UK and its education system.  The league tables are only an indication of a school’s academic performance, the recent decision by education ministers to drop IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) from the league tables over the next two years has made them even more unreliable.
 
 
The IGCSE was first introduced around 25 years ago and was intended to cater for overseas students whose first language was not necessarily English and for the preparation of A level study. The main difference between GCSE and IGCSE is that while IGCSE still includes some elements of the old GCE: coursework, oral and practical assessment as well as exams offered at different levels, some teachers believe that it offers more scope for abler pupils at the higher level.
 
 
Whilst similar as GCSEs, IGCSEs are a recognised  relevant qualifications. However, for reasons which appear to be more political than practical, the Government has decided IGCSEs are no longer automatically included in the national measures of performance and any schools offering this will score a resounding zero.  To put it simply, only qualifications accredited by Ofqual (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) count. IGCSEs are no longer accredited , therefore they have not been put forward for accreditation.
 
 
A large number of these schools are members of the HMC which includes schools such as; Westminster, St Paul’s Girls, Haberdashers Aske's Boys and Uppingham. Those who have experience independent schools know they are excellent schools in terms of their teaching ability and in the efforts to produce the best for their pupils.  However, for parents who are struggling to navigate the system, this is both frustrating and confusing.
 
 
The trend is for more and more HMC schools to continue to offer the IGCSEs despite the political criticism, hence, solely depending on the League Tables to find a suitable school for your children should be strongly discouraged.
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