EDUCATIONAL performance has fallen slightly in Barnsley, according to a new report - which suggests upheaval due to the pandemic may be to blame.
Due to be discussed at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, the report states Barnsley’s average ‘Attainment Eight’ score - which measures performance across eight qualifications - has dropped from 48.5 to 47.2.
The national average increased from 48 to 48.9, widening the gap between local and national performance, but Barnsley is second-highest in South Yorkshire.
This year, exams were cancelled and results were given as teacher-assessed grades taking in practice exams and coursework, while the year prior students were issued with centre-assessed grades predicting their exam results - after a controversial Ofqual algorithm initially handed out predicted grades that were deemed inconsistent and unfair.
“Whilst Barnsley’s Attainment Eight measure is below the national average, this is in line with the majority of Barnsley’s statistical neighbours, which may reflect the disproportionate impact that Covid has had on disadvantaged communities,” said the report.
