Adjust children’s test scores by age

Leading academics have urged for children’s test scores to be adjusted according to their age to tackle the disadvantage suffered by pupils born in the summer.

In a new guidebook for teachers by Lee Elliot Major, Professor of Social Mobility at the University of Exeter, and Steve Higgins, Professor of Education at Durham University, it argues that the ‘summer-born disadvantage’ must be addressed to ensure equality in schools. Expected levels of progress would apply to a particular age rather than a particular point in time.

Data shows that people born between June and August do poorer at school on average than their autumn-born classmates, as well as being more likely to have special educational needs, to have lower self-esteem, and fall into risky behaviour.

The book, What Works? Research and Evidence for Successful Teaching, also says that teachers should talk about the maturity of pupils when discussing their progress with parents, recommending that teachers should adjust any academic or sporting selection to take into account the different ages and physical development of children.

Major said: “Analysis shows summer born pupils are behind their peers, and this continues throughout their time at school. There are far more autumn-born pupils in the top streams and the oldest pupils in the class are more likely to be selected for gifted and talented programmes. Teachers must consider maturity when grouping children into sets or classes according to their achievement, and when marking. We hope this will address this unequal situation, which effects so many classrooms and children across the country.”