English Baccalaureate and Progress 8

The English Baccalaureate (EBACC)

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) was introduced as a performance measure in the 2010 school performance tables. It is important to note that it is not a separate qualification. The measure recognises where students have achieved GCSEs in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, Geography or History and a modern or ancient language. From 2014 Computer Science was also been included as one of the Science options in the English Baccalaureate performance measure. One of the most common questions asked by parents when thinking about the EBacc set of qualifications is ‘Why should my child study the EBacc?’.

The main and perhaps most significant advantage for students is that it provides a broad set of academic qualifications which will ensure progression opportunities when students make their post 16 and university choices.

The DfE website states

The EBacc is made up of the subjects which are considered essential to many degrees and open up lots of doors.

Research shows that a pupil’s socio-economic background impacts the subjects they choose at GCSE, and that this determines their opportunities beyond school.

A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will stay on in full-time education. Sutton Trust research reveals that studying the EBacc can help improve a young person’s performance in English and maths.