At Sion School, academic excellence isn’t just measured by final exam results, it’s measured by progress. That’s why we’re proud to share our latest Value Added (VA) data, which reflects the transformative impact of our teaching, supportive learning environment, and the dedication of our students.
What is a VA score?
Traditional school performance metrics often focus solely on final attainment percentages and the grades students achieve in exams. Whilst useful, this approach doesn’t fully account for each student’s individual starting point. Value Added (VA) offers a fairer and more accurate measure by comparing students’ actual outcomes to their expected performance based on prior attainment.
For example, if a student was predicted to achieve a grade 5 in GCSE English based on their Key Stage 2 results but achieved a grade 7, the VA score for that subject would be +2.
How is a VA Score Measured?
VA is calculated using statistical models that compare each student’s outcomes to national averages for students with similar prior attainment. The process typically involves:
Baseline data: Usually Key Stage 2 results (e.g. SATs scores) for GCSE-level VA, or GCSE results for A-Level VA.
Expected grades: Derived from national datasets showing average outcomes for students with similar starting points.
Actual grades: The grades the student actually achieves.
Residuals: The difference between expected and actual grades. These are aggregated to produce subject-level and whole-school VA scores.
Sion School uses FFT Aspire as its primary source for Value Added (VA) data, a widely used educational data platform in the UK that provides schools with detailed performance analysis.
Sion School’s VA Score: A Standout Achievement
Sion School’s overall VA score is +1, meaning that on average, students achieved one full GCSE grade higher than predicted by their baseline data. This exceptional result places SION in the top 2% of schools nationally, according to FFT Aspire.
Even more impressively, 1 in 6 students at SION achieved a VA score of +2 or higher, meaning they exceeded expectations by two grades across their subjects. This level of progress is a testament to the school’s commitment to personalised learning and high-quality teaching.
Sion School’s VA success spans a range of subjects, too. Here are some standout performers:
- Business Studies: +1.4 VA – Top 2% nationally
- English : +1.3 VA – Top 1% nationally
- Food Technology: +1.5 VA – Top 3% nationally
- Further Mathematics: +1.5 VA – Top 3% nationally
- History: +1.2 VA – Top 3% nationally
- Physical Education: +1.3 VA – Top 4% nationally
These impressive outcomes based on the 2025 GCSE results, demonstrate the depth and breadth of the academic provision at Sion School, with students thriving in both STEM and humanities subjects.
Headteacher and Mission Director, Steve Jeffery comments:
“Value Added is about progress, and Sion School is proud to be among the very best in the country for helping students achieve more than they thought possible. With a VA score of +1 and subject rankings in the top percentiles nationally, SION continues to deliver an education that transforms futures”.
Considering Sion School?
SION is Worthing’s independent school, welcoming all young people aged 3 to 18 years, offering a nurturing environment where every unique individual is supported to thrive.
Find more information on our admissions page – you can also book a tour and experience the SION difference firsthand.
