Cat scores in year 7

[Howcanwehelp]

My sons school did cat tests last term and we got the results. How accurate are they in predicting Gcse results? I was really surprised they even suggested what he could achieve as so much could change in 5 years!

CAT scores, IMO, are a pile of crap and are dangerous information if used to determine a child's future.

My eldest had very average CAT scores and I was told his secondary school options were limited. A year later a couple of them went up, one by 45 points. I put zero faith in them whatsoever. They do not take into account motivation, drive or discipline which make a huge difference.

My DS was nearly kept back due to his CAT scores. Then, he was actually given an academic scholarship for his school.

My other sons CATs are alright, a bit higher even. Others have better CAT scores than him but my DS is in higher sets.

My DS is predicted good grades for GCSE but this is all based on how he is performing now, in year 10. You cannot predict GCSE's from CAT scores. My son has a healthy dose of academic ability, motivation, determination and he is very disciplined.That is what makes a difference, not the results of a kiddie IQ test.

As predictors of GCSEs they are statistically accurate but are always a range from most likely to least likely grade. Individual development / effort and the quality of teaching will make a material difference to the final outcome for a specific person.

However, as a cohort average (i.e. all kids with that CAT score) it will be pretty reliable based on average effort and average teaching.

That's assuming the CAT is accurate. Some kids, not realising what they are used for, may not put in full effort when sitting them so if you are surprised by how low they are, that might be worth exploring.

Thanks, that's what I was thinking, motivation and determination as well as no major live changes have a huge impact. I don't think I'll tell my son what he got as I don't want him to get complacent.

His were particularly high, but he's a tenancy to laziness and not really motivate to study.

My DS is very dyslexic, his cat scores predicted very low gcse scores - basically d & es . He’s now in final year at Uni aiming for a 1st / 2.1.

It suggests which may or may not be reflected in attainment. Motivation, environment, additional needs, teaching, opportunity, mental health, personal circumstances etc may all influence achievement.

They show potential (especially STEM) the but work ethic and teaching are equal factors.

For one of my dc the predictions were surpringly accurate. I had forgotten completely about them and found them quite a bit later and they matched up almost exactly.

*suggests potential