Progress 8 score

Put simply, above 0 means performing better than similar cohorts elsewhere, below zero means performing less well.

But also look at the confidence intervals.

Also you can, I believe, filter on prior performance. So if you have a high achieving child you can look at progress 8 for them, similar for middle or low attainer.

The 5A*-C is all very well but e.g. a comp in a deprived area with lots of low achievers is never going to score very well in that even if they have fantastic teaching.

I think there is also an 'attainment 8' score which could be helpful.

I wouldn't choose a 0.09 over a -0.09, but I might well choose a 0.4 over a -0.4.

The progress 8 calculation is really difficult to get head round but 0.09 works out at being very average.

Ignore it- see if you can get the old 5A*-C Inc English and maths scores as this is what your DC will still actually need. Schools which chase progress 8 scores are usually like the ones you read about on here with really restrictive GCSE options. Schools which acknowledge they have to have an eye on P8 but don't make it the only consideration are more likely to give your DC a good all round experience (possibly with a happier/more stable staff as well).

There's no substitute for making a visit, either. Schools with very average scores can be on the up or on the decline, it's hard to tell just from data and their website.