History of the P scales

The P scales have undergone a number of revisions since their initial introduction in 1998. This section clarifies these revisions and identifies a range of relevant guidance materials and their publication dates. Care must be taken to ensure that the latest P scale descriptions are used for submitting data; not all publications have been updated.

This set of performance criteria, known as the P scales, was initially developed to support schools in the target setting process. This was part of the raising standards agenda in the school improvement cycle.

From Sept 1998 there was a statutory requirement for schools to set targets for overall pupil performance – English and maths at end of Key Stage 2 and GCSEs at Key Stage 4.

Supporting the target setting process: Guidance for effective target setting for pupils with special educational needs 

These performance level descriptions (P levels) measure progress for pupils with special educational needs who do not meet age-related expectations of attainment in the National Curriculum. To reflect this pupil group, the 1998 guidance set out:

• P levels 1–8 for English, maths and PSD
• sub-levels within levels 1 and 2 of National Curriculum
• P levels 1–3 describe generic ‘early development’.