DfE launches KS4 consultation on progress measures
The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a new consultation on significant reforms to Key Stage 4 (KS4), aiming to ensure that schools with lower prior attaining pupils are judged more fairly and that the progress of these learners becomes more visible. Central to the proposals is the introduction of a new “best fit” progress measure designed specifically for pupils entering secondary school with attainment considerably below age related expectations, including those with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This additional measure would sit alongside the existing Progress 8 (P8) metric. While pupils would continue to be included within P8 to encourage ambition across a broad curriculum, the new measure would calculate progress using a flexible approach that does not assume students take eight GCSEs. Instead, the best available scores across subjects would be used, reducing the penalty often faced by learners who study fewer qualifications and allowing schools to tailor pathways more appropriately.
The proposals also outline an expansion of the Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme. Previously focused on schools identified as “stuck”, RISE would become mandatory for schools demonstrating persistently low attainment, with widened eligibility from January 2027 based on performance data from summer 2026.
The reforms align with wider government ambitions outlined in the new schools White Paper and ongoing SEND system changes, including investment in a £1.6 billion Inclusive Mainstream Fund. The DfE positions the package as part of a strategic effort to broaden KS4 curriculum opportunities, support economic needs, and ultimately reduce long term disadvantage. The consultation is open until 4th May.
