Target Setting for Schools

Governing bodies are required to set targets for their pupils' performance in Key Stage 2 and 3 national curriculum tests, and in public examinations for the year after pupils reach the age of fifteen, and submit them to the Local Authority.  All schools (apart from middle schools that have pupils entering in Year 6 or Year 9) have a statutory requirement to set targets by 31 December each year for performance five terms later.  For example, governing bodies need to set targets by 31 December 2007 for performance by pupils in summer 2009.  Middle schools are required by statute to set their targets as soon as possible after the beginning of the school year in which the pupils are due to take the relevant key stage tests.

The above does not apply to maintained nursery schools