Academic Excellence: Measuring and Achieving Success at ISJ

Written By The Schools Trust

"The true measure of an education is not what a student knows at graduation, but how much they have grown from where they began." — Dr. Thomas Guskey, Educational Assessment Expert

Data-Driven Education for Global Achievement

Introduction

At ISJ, academic excellence is measured not only by final outcomes but through the systematic tracking of growth throughout a student's educational journey. Through comprehensive GL Assessments, ISJ documents remarkable student progress from Year 3 through Top Year, demonstrating how our pedagogical approach transforms academic potential into exceptional performance.

This evidence-based report showcases how ISJ students consistently outperform UK national averages and ultimately match or exceed the standards of prestigious independent schools and leading international institutions.

How We Measure Success: The GL Assessment Framework

World-Recognised Standards

GL Assessments provide internationally recognised measures of student ability and attainment, allowing direct comparison between ISJ and top educational institutions worldwide. These standardised assessments are widely used by UK independent schools and international schools globally.

Key assessments at ISJ include:

  • Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) — Measures verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning abilities that indicate academic potential

  • Progress Test in Maths (PTM) — Evaluates mathematical fluency, problem-solving skills, and conceptual understanding

  • Progress Test in English (PTE) — Assesses reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and overall literacy development

  • Progress Test in Science (PTS) — Measures scientific knowledge, inquiry-based reasoning, and application of concepts

Our Assessment Approach

ISJ administers GL assessments at strategic intervals throughout the academic year to:

  • Track Individual Student Growth — Each student's progress is monitored over time, ensuring personalised support and appropriate academic challenges

  • Inform Teaching Strategies — Data-driven insights allow teachers to adapt instruction to meet specific student needs

  • Benchmark Against Global Standards — Regular comparison with UK independent and international schools ensures ISJ maintains high academic expectations

Exceptional Student Progress: The Evidence

1. Remarkable Growth Trajectory

The most compelling aspect of ISJ's academic performance is the substantial improvement in student achievement over time:

  • Starting Points: Many ISJ students begin with scores close to UK national averages (approximately 100 SAS)

  • Consistent Progression: Through our structured curriculum and targeted interventions, students demonstrate steady improvement year after year

  • Top Year Achievement: By Top Year, ISJ students perform at levels equal to or exceeding UK independent school benchmarks

Quantifying the Progress:

  • Students improve their CAT4 scores by an average of 22 points between Year 3 and Top Year

  • Mathematics assessments show particularly strong growth, with Top Year PTM scores exceeding UK independent school averages

  • Science scores demonstrate a similar impressive trajectory, with rapid acceleration in Years 6-Top Year

2. Top Year Excellence: Meeting and Exceeding Global Standards

By Top Year, ISJ students not only outperform UK national averages but match or exceed UK independent school levels:

  • Cognitive Ability (CAT4): Top Year students score above UK independent school averages (120.8 vs. 115) and closely align with international school benchmarks (116)

  • Mathematics & Science: By Top Year, students achieve scores of 110.8 in PTM and 115.5 in PTS, indicating strong problem-solving abilities and conceptual understanding

  • Year-on-Year Improvement: The rate of improvement accelerates in Years 6-Top Year, demonstrating the cumulative benefits of our educational approach

ISJ Top Year Projected Results vs UK Independent Schools

The following visualisation demonstrates how ISJ Top Year students are projected to perform by the end of the academic year compared to UK Independent School benchmarks:

As shown in the chart, ISJ Top Year students are projected to significantly outperform UK Independent School benchmarks across all assessment areas:

  • Cognitive Ability: +12.5 points above Independent Schools

  • Mathematics: +2.5 points above Independent Schools

  • Science: +8.0 points above Independent Schools

These projections are based on ISJ's proven growth methodology and historical performance data, representing expected achievement by the end of the academic year.

Student Growth: Year 3 to Top Year

While end-point achievement is important, what truly distinguishes ISJ is the exceptional academic growth our students experience throughout their educational journey:

This comparison reveals the remarkable growth advantages ISJ students experience:

  • Cognitive Ability: ISJ students show 2.2× greater growth than Independent School students

  • Mathematics: ISJ students demonstrate 1.4× greater growth than Independent School students

  • Science: ISJ students achieve 1.6× greater growth than Independent School students

This growth-focused approach is particularly valuable because it enhances every student's potential—regardless of their starting point. Our students consistently show significantly greater academic growth than their independent school peers, highlighting the effectiveness of our teaching methods and personalised approach.

Our Benchmarking Methodology

To ensure meaningful and realistic comparisons, ISJ's performance is benchmarked against:

UK National Averages

  • The UK national standard score is set at 100 SAS (Standard Age Score)

  • This provides a baseline reference point for all comparisons

UK Independent Schools

  • Students at independent schools typically score 5-15 points above the national average

  • By Top Year, ISJ students match or exceed these prestigious institutions

International School Averages

  • International school benchmarks typically range 1-5 points above UK independent schools

  • In Top Year, international schools average 116 in CAT4, 120 in mathematics, and 120 in science

  • ISJ students progressively close the gap with international averages, reaching comparable levels by Top Year

How This Benefits Your Child

The academic growth demonstrated in our GL Assessment data translates to real benefits for ISJ students:

  • Personalised Learning: Regular assessment allows teachers to identify each student's strengths and areas for development

  • Confidence Building: Students experience tangible progress, building academic confidence and motivation

  • Secondary School Readiness: By Top Year, students are academically prepared for success in even the most challenging secondary environments

  • Global Competitiveness: ISJ students develop the skills needed to compete with peers from top schools worldwide

Conclusion: Excellence Through Evidence

Key Takeaways

  • ISJ students demonstrate exceptional academic growth throughout their primary education

  • By Top Year, students perform at or above UK independent school levels

  • Our data-driven approach ensures continuous refinement of teaching strategies

  • Students leave ISJ academically prepared for success in secondary education and beyond

Through rigorous assessment, targeted teaching, and high expectations, ISJ delivers a world-class education that prepares students not just for academic success, but for lifelong learning and achievement.

Learn More

Interested in how our approach to academic excellence could benefit your child? Contact our admissions team to arrange a school tour or to learn more about our assessment process.

Sources

  • GL Assessment. (2023). Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Technical Manual. London: GL Assessment.

  • Independent Schools Council (ISC). (2023). ISC Annual Census 2023. London: ISC Research.

  • Department for Education. (2023). National Curriculum Assessments at Key Stage 2 in England, 2023. London: DfE.

  • Kirkup, C., Sizmur, J., Sturman, L., & Lewis, K. (2022). Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS): National Report for England. Slough: NFER.

  • GL Assessment. (2023). International Benchmarking with CAT4: Technical Report. London: GL Assessment.

Further Reading

  • Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (2018). Classroom assessment and pedagogy. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 25(6), 551-575.

  • Christodoulou, D. (2017). Making Good Progress?: The Future of Assessment for Learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

  • Hattie, J. (2022). Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 2,000 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement. London: Routledge.

  • Masters, G. N. (2023). Reforming Educational Assessment: Imperatives, principles and challenges. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

  • Wiliam, D. (2023). Embedded Formative Assessment. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.

About the Author: This report was prepared by The Schools Trust, the governing body responsible for academic standards and performance at ISJ.

The Schools Trust
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