Guidance

Contextual good level of development (GLD) score methodology

How we calculate the contextual GLD scores included in the ‘Compare your GLD data’ reports.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 27 January 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Contextual GLD score methodology

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Details

Provides further information on the:

• data included in the contextual GLD calculation
• number and type of schools in scope
• methodological decisions behind the model

This guidance is for:

• headteachers
• senior school leaders
• trust leaders
• local authority leads

Published 27 January 2026