Key Stage 4 Performance Measure Consultation

In our article, Schools White Paper: Impact on Music Education, we highlighted the many education-focused publications this academic year and the volume of government consultations coming up in 2026. One of those consultations is the Key Stage 4 performance measures and targeted RISE extension consultation, which is currently open for submissions and closes on 4th May 2026. 

The first section of the consultation seeks views on what they propose to change for Progress 8 (a key performance measure for schools). The latter section focuses on the Department for Education’s (DfE) targeted regional improvement for standards and excellence (RISE) teams.  

This is an opportunity to give your views on: 

• Improving Progress 8 and Attainment 8 measures through a refreshed Progress 8 curriculum model 

• A better way to recognise the progress of pupils with low prior attainment as part of improvements to the wider suite of additional performance measures 

• Extending targeted RISE support to primary and secondary schools with low achievement 

Helping you to complete the consultation

Music Mark’s Schools Lead Abi Marrison created an example response document for specific questions relating to the reform to Progress 8 measures. This resource has been put together to help you to respond to the government with your own views. 

The consultation has three sections, all of which are concerned with how school success is measured. If you have the time and inclination to read more widely on this topic, the Department for Education (DfE) has provided more detailed documentation to explain the potential changes (link here). In one specific guide, the DfE has provided worked examples to show what options, and combinations of subjects, young people could choose to study at key stage 4 (working towards GCSE exams or vocational awards) and how a school will be ranked in relation to these.  

What should I complete if I’m short on time?

If you do not have time to fully digest the context and implications, we have suggested three short tasks focused on Progress 8 as an accountability measure for schools. 

• Watch this short video from the DfE that gives clarity on what Progress 8 was intended for when it was first introduced in 2016.  
• Read our summary of Chapter 1 and response to consultation questions 11 – 15 in this resource document. 
• Consider where your opinions align or differ, then tailor your own answer to questions that feel most significant to your work and experience.   
• Remember, you do not need to answer every question in the survey; you can select a few that feel relevant and submit your responses to these.    

 We are keen for our membership to respond and feel informed to do this. We believe that the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) had a detrimental effect on limiting student choice and access to arts subjects, with the removal of the EBacc, it is important that changes to Progress 8 do not similarly constrain school provision or students choice. This consultation and the actions taken in response are important to the place of music in schools, as we know that school leaders are likely to continue to prioritise what they are measured against. 

What can Music Mark members do?

• Read the section summaries: KS4 Consultation resource Page
• Respond to the consultation survey: Key Stage 4 Performance Measures and Targeted RISE Extension – Page 1 of 7 – Department for Education – Citizen Space.  
• Contact info@musicmark.org.uk with any questions about this consultation and its relevance to music education. 

Music Mark offers a comprehensive range of resources to support excellence in music education, all of which can be accessed on our Resources Page