Statutory guidance

P scales: attainment targets for pupils with SEN

Performance (P scale) attainment targets for pupils with special educational needs (SEN).

From:
Department for Education and Standards and Testing Agency
Published
16 July 2014
Last updated
2 June 2017 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Performance - P Scale - attainment targets for pupils with special educational needs

PDF, 527 KB, 40 pages

Details

P scales 1 to 4 have been replaced by the engagement model. From September 2021, P scales 1 to 4 can no longer be used to assess pupils working below the level of the national curriculum and not engaged in subject specific study. Schools should instead use the engagement model to assess these pupils.

This guidance specifies performance attainment targets (P scales) and performance descriptors for pupils aged 5 to 16 with special educational needs (SEN) who are working below the standard of the national curriculum assessments, and not engaged in subject-specific study. It is for:

  • headteachers
  • governing bodies
  • local authorities

It applies to:

  • local-authority-maintained schools
  • academies and free schools
  • non-maintained special schools
  • local authorities

P scales 5 to 8 have been replaced by the pre-key stage standards for KS1 and KS2.

Published 16 July 2014
Last updated 2 June 2017 + show all updates

  1. Added information on the introduction of pre-key stage standards to assess pupils working below the standard of the national curriculum tests.

  2. First published.

Related content