Key stage 2 (KS2) and key stage 3 (KS3)

The P scales are a set of optional indicators for recording the achievements of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) working towards level one in the national curriculum programmes of study.

P scale data should be reported for pupils who have SEN and are recorded as ‘W’ on the Teacher Assessment. The information should normally be submitted in the school year in which the pupil reaches the age of 11 and 14.

The submission of P scale data as part of national data collection is voluntary this year. For pupils who are working towards level 1, P scales provide a means of assessing attainment and progress over time and across a range of contexts. This information can be used in reporting to parents with more detailed information on pupils’ progress in relation to the core national curriculum that they are following.

DfES will be considering with Ofsted how the data can be made available to schools through the Pupil Achievement Tracker (PAT) and Performance and Assessment Reports (PANDA) for use in self-evaluating and pupil target-setting.

Further detailed information and guidance on submitting the P scales data is available on the teachernet website at www.teachernet.gov.uk/s2s. This site also includes information for schools without electronic MIS or systems that do not allow P scale data to be entered.