Central Government is due to introduce its new ‘Attainment 8’ and ‘Progress 8’ markers from the summer of next year. These are set to replace the standard benchmark schools are currently judged by, the percentage of pupils that achieve five A*-C grades, including English and maths, at GCSE level.

The ‘Progress 8’ part of the measure is based on the progress of pupils across eight different GCSE subjects that they take – English and maths have to be two of them, but the other six choices are completely up to the pupil. The ‘Attainment 8’ is their average score across their eight chosen subjects.

Research compiled in a report by independent firm Education Datalab has shown that this shake-up could have a positive effect on schools in the borough and actually raise their points score under the new scoring system.

The report shows that, based on results in 2014, the schools would have garnered an average score of 49.3 points. However, when the new system is initiated next summer the score rose by five points to 54.3 on projected figures.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, said: “The new measures demonstrate the breadth of subjects that are taken by our pupils and the expectation in Bracknell Forest that youngsters will be merited on a range of subjects.

“I think it is good news that the measures are changing but let’s not get away from the fact that children need a good understanding of English and maths to get along in life. It’s equally important that children are judged on their abilities in other subjects as they help set up our young people before they go into further education or work.

“I think it is encouraging but we are working hard as a local authority with our schools and we are looking to drive forward to achieve even better results.” The scores are calculated by the average grade each pupil attains across each of the eight subjects. English will be given double weighting in the final results. The results in 2014 would have seen Bracknell Forest finish 33rd out of 150 local authorities in the country, but the 2016 projected figures would see them break into the top 20.

Dr Rebecca Allen, director of Education Datalab said: “The forthcoming Attainment 8 measure will encourage schools in Bracknell Forest to enter their pupils to sit eight eligible GCSEs, pulling on results across all subjects rather than the current five A*-C grades or more.” Schools in Bracknell Forest that are currently performing poorly, can make rapid improvements simply by entering their pupils into all eight of the allocated subject slots.

However, those schools that are already performing well and enter their students in more than eight subjects will find it harder to progress.