Education Data Guides

Plain-English explanations of the metrics, frameworks, and data sources used across MATpulse school and trust profiles.

Performance

How the DfE measures secondary school effectiveness using pupil progress from KS2 to KS4.

The points-based measure of GCSE results across eight qualifying subjects.

How primary school performance is measured through reading, writing, maths, and combined scores.

The new inspection framework replacing single-word grades with detailed sub-judgements.

How to read school income, expenditure, reserves, and per-pupil spending data from DfE sources.

Board structure, director roles, and what Companies House data reveals about trust leadership.

What governors and headteachers should examine before a school joins a multi-academy trust.

The DfE threshold, how it differs from overall absence, and why it matters for school outcomes.