Evaluation of school performance and the school effectiveness debate

Abstract

This exploratory study attempts to call into question the effects of schools on educational attainment, especially at ages 16-19 years of age. The principal questions investigated were: To what extent do schools vary in their A-level performance? Are schools differentially effective for pupils of differing abilities? What was the significance of contextual variables in accounting for school effects on pupil achievement? Data on 2541 pupils from 33 schools were analysed by the recent multilevel statistical technique. On methodological grounds, the study was distinguished as part of the third wave movement of school effectiveness. Results showed that some of the schools were indeed more effective educational environment than others. Of the total variance in the 'model', an estimated 6% were accounted between schools.