At Shiplake College, academic progress is about more than grades — it’s about how far each student travels on their individual learning journey. That’s why we use the Student Value Added Score (VAS) to measure student progress across all subjects, providing a clear picture of how much value Shiplake adds to every learner’s experience.
Today, we are delighted to say that we have been awarded the Alps Platinum Award, recognising the College in the top 10% nationally for value-added progress at both GCSE and A-level. This achievement reflects the exceptional teaching, high aspirations, and individual support that helps every one of our pupils exceed expectations.
The Student VAS is a quantitative measure of how much progress an individual pupil has made compared to pupils with similar starting points nationally specifically those performing at the 75th percentile. It shows whether a student is achieving above, at, or below their expected trajectory based on prior attainment.
Currently, we calculate the VAS for both A-level and Key Stage 4 (GCSE) pupils, giving us valuable insights into performance across the College.
Shiplake uses the Alps Education Model to calculate Value Added Scores which is often the same model used by schools and colleges across the UK to benchmark progress. Alps uses the same model, which underpins the baseline data we use here, meaning our approach to tracking progress is consistent and nationally standardised.
For A-level pupils, each individual’s score is calculated using all A-level subjects taken, comparing the actual points achieved with the expected points based on Alps’ benchmark data. These benchmarks are drawn from national averages for students with similar prior attainment, using data from the 75th percentile.
For Key Stage 4 students, the same model is applied across all GCSE and vocational subjects, ensuring every area of study contributes to the overall progress picture.
We were delighted with our results from the summer, especially our GCSE results which were our best ever in the College’s history. The outstanding outcomes reflect a powerful culture of aspiration, hard work, and support at the College, and we are excited to continue this upward trajectory.
