CAT score

[ttbn]

Some help here please. DS had a CAT score of 126 in Y5. School have done it now in Y6 and it is significantly lower 120. How much does it factor into the heads reference? What does it mean? Is he declining in performance?? Very worried that it will exclude him from academic independent schools where we live. Any advice gratefully received.

Sorry no idea but following, I have a ds yr6 and have never heard of this

It's very much a snapshot on the day so a 125 one time and a 120 another is not a significant difference within margin of expected variability I would say.

Some schools would put highest CAT score from Y5 /6 on the reference.

As FamSender said, it’s a snapshot so there will be variability between scores even for exactly the same test. In terms of the scores, they are both significantly above average score. Between 100-110 is considered average ability so I would expect your child to be treated as well above average. Good luck.

Thank you that’s a good tip and I will ask the school how they report given the variation.

@ttbn In DS’ school they use the highest cat score attained, so definitely speak to the school.
However, cat score going down in Y6 is not a good sign - they generally improve steadily through Y5 and Y6. That’s definitely something worth looking at as well.

Don't worry, it varies day to day. A six-point decline is not that significant. More important than the CATs scores is how he performs on entrance examinations.

However, cat score going down in Y6 is not a good sign - they generally improve steadily through Y5 and Y6. That’s definitely something worth looking at as well.

This is not true. CAT scores are normed (calibrated) so that the average Y5 should get 100 when taking the Y5 exam, and the average Y6 should get 100 when taking the Y6 exam. Some children's scores will go up between their Y5 and Y6 exams, and some will go down but, on average, they'll stay the same.

Absolutely correct, well said.

@user149799568 is correct. Also, a variation of 6 points is within the standard confidence interval statistically. If you aren't familiar with statistics that means that on any given day you'd expect that level of variation on the results of the test for the same individual.

Most schools report the range of test results achieved over the years rather than just the most recent as a result of this. 120 is still top 10% which if he does well otherwise wouldn't rule him out of most academically selective schools.

Really appreciate the words of assurance and all viewpoints on the thread. It is so hard to stay motivated in what feels like a harsh numbers game for children but you have given me hope and important things to ask.