Garden International School (GIS) scored +0.42 Value Added for 2016/17, a record-breaking value in comparison to the UK’s top 10 highest attaining independent schools as per the results published in a recent analysis by Education Datalab, which noted A-Level Value Added scores ranging from -0.09 to +0.57. Value Added is generally calculated at the end of each school level. At Year 7, 10, and 12, GIS students’ progress is assessed through a standardised test which accurately calculates each child’s predicted grade at the end of each Key Stage. This prediction is later compared with their actual examination grade and the difference between the two is either positive, neutral, or negative. Unlike high grades, Value Added is largely considered an accurate measure for student’s progress; achieving high grades on the other hand doesn’t necessarily paint a full picture in terms of a child meeting their potential.

Commenting on this record-breaking achievement, Mark Ford, Principal of GIS said, “We are incredibly proud to say that the Value-Added for our 2016/17 GIS Graduates was a historical best +0.42, meaning that in addition to a student’s aptitude for learning, the teaching and learning at GIS, on average, has added almost a half of a grade to all students that might not have occurred if they had not attended GIS. Our Value Added result puts us ahead of all but one of the highest attaining independent schools in the UK – a superb achievement indeed.”