70% of my class are working below ARE

[Glastonbury2020]

I'm in a 3 form entry school and our head thought that after lockdown they should be set across the 3 classes. I have ended up with the LA class and 70% of them are below ARE. Not sure that lockdown is to blame. They are Y5 and have always had similar results. How am I going to justify myself this year, if I can't get them up? I'm so worried! I feel like I have been given the short straw! Any wise words to help me sleep?

Surely you're measured against where they are now, and where they end up after a year with you? Otherwise it's not a fair comparison.

Yes, justify yourself by showing the progress they've made rather than using ARE. Otherwise you have a ridiculous situation where the teacher of the top set is the "best" teacher and the teacher of the lowest set the "worst" teacher.

How low are the lowest? Would you consider some sort of alternative assessments? (We use PIVATS) to show how you've developed them?

I'm not a primary specialist but is setting a good idea at that age? I'm guessing you don't have the power to change it now, but surely the kids have worked it out?

I'd take it as a massive compliment you've been given that group.

Aside from the fact that setting in a primary school is ridiculous I’m impressed that 30% of any LA class are achieving ARE, especially this year. Where are the children in the other classes? Are you a high achieving school?

I expect that's the same in my standard year 3/4 class to be honest. Not testing though.

I have a Y5 class, one form entry.
16% of class at ARE for end of Y4 (we've just done the data). It's a struggle.
No TA, no support from home. Just teaching my socks off and hoping for the best (would welcome any advice)