In short
Students using Performance Learning improved by an average of 2.4 grades against their predicted grades (Thomas et al., 2024, an analysis of 940 students led by Birkbeck's Centre for Educational Neuroscience). Schools including Eton College, The Appleton School and Scalby School use Performance Learning to understand their pupils' needs, and case studies include Luke, a student who went from an E to an A in Maths in just under 12 weeks.
Results at a glance
| Figure | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 grades | Students using Performance Learning improved by an average of 2.4 grades | Data analysed by Birkbeck, University of London and the Centre for Educational Neuroscience |
| 30,000+ | Students coached | Performance Learning |
| 500,000+ | Learner assessments completed | Performance Learning |
| 300 | Institutions across the UK that have used Performance Learning | Performance Learning |
| 2013 | Supporting learners since | Performance Learning |
What does the 2.4 grades figure mean?
The 2.4 grades figure is reported in a 2024 article led by Professor Michael Thomas of Birkbeck, University of London, who is also a special advisor to Performance Learning. It is based on 940 students aged 15 to 16 with low previous attainment. Their actual exam grades were compared with the grades their schools had predicted from mocks, averaged across maths, biology, chemistry, physics, history and geography.
It is an average for a group, not a guarantee for any one child, and the data came from our founder’s doctoral research. Our research page explains how the figure was produced and its limits in full.
Beyond grades
We’re not just raising attainment. We’re changing how learners:
- see themselves
- respond emotionally to learning
- manage stress, pressure and setbacks
- prepare for life beyond school and college
Real talk. Real change.
Case studies
Luke: from an E to an A in Maths
Luke, a Year 11 student, shared his story with Performance Learning. In his own words:
“I went from an E to an A in Maths in just under 12 weeks!”
Luke’s result is one student’s story, and every child’s starting point is different. If your child is preparing for GCSEs, see how GCSE exam coaching works, or start with the Foresight assessment to find out what is holding them back.
Scalby School: boosting Progress 8
Scalby School used Performance Learning to boost Progress 8, the Department for Education’s measure of the progress pupils make across eight subjects. Schools across the UK continue to report the lasting effects of COVID-19 on their GCSE cohorts, which is why Performance Learning developed 2-hour revision workshops for Years 10 and 11.
The workshops focus on:
- boosting wellbeing, with practical tips
- strategies to improve retention
- practical ways to support individual learning styles
Alongside the workshops, schools receive an initial assessment for Year 10 or 11 pupils, feedback reports on the whole cohort and on individual pupils, identification of key areas for improvement such as organisation, confidence, stress and wellbeing, and tailored online lessons.
Jordan Philliskirk, Assistant Headteacher for Achievement & Standards at Scalby School, said:
“Tej and PL enhance student success with impressive techniques & remarkable results.”
Watch Dr Tej talk to Mr Philliskirk about Scalby’s experience. Find out more about support for secondary schools.
Topcliffe Primary School: featured in i News
Topcliffe Primary School in Birmingham has used Performance Learning, and the school’s story was the subject of an i News long read. Staff have described changes in how children talk about their feelings.
“Performance Learning strategies have helped children with self-regulation; they now discuss their emotions openly.” Tom Slattery, Acting Headteacher, Topcliffe Primary School
“I think that the students are becoming more confident already at expressing their feelings.” Dickon Taylor, Former Headteacher, Topcliffe Primary School
Read the full story on our press page.
How do schools use Performance Learning?
Schools tell us they use Performance Learning to see what they could not see before:
- The Appleton School used the data to identify the individual needs of students in Year 7 and Year 12 and decide the level of support each needed to improve attainment and study skills.
- Castle Court School uses the analysis to pinpoint individual pupils’ concerns precisely and direct its pastoral care.
- All Saints, a Church of England Academy, used the reports, which gave insight into metacognition and wellbeing, to guide learning conversations before mocks.
Schools that have used Performance Learning include Eton College, Rugby School, St Edward’s Oxford, Strathallan School, Sunningdale School, Scalby School, The Appleton School, Topcliffe Primary School, Knole Academy, The Gatwick School and Brighton Hill Community School.
Recognising progress
Behind every data point is a learner who tried, persisted and changed their own story. Performance Learning plans to spotlight learners and schools across primary, secondary, further education and alternative provision and justice settings. Planned award categories include Learner of the Term or Year, Most Improved, the Resilience Award, Champion School of the Year and Most Impactful Staff Team.
Frequently asked questions
What results does Performance Learning achieve?
Students using Performance Learning improved by an average of 2.4 grades against their predicted grades (Thomas et al., 2024, an analysis of 940 students led by Birkbeck's Centre for Educational Neuroscience). The figure comes from 940 low-attaining 15 to 16-year-olds, comparing their actual exam grades with their schools' predictions across six subjects. Performance Learning has also coached more than 30,000 students and completed more than 500,000 learner assessments.
Which schools have used Performance Learning?
Schools that have used Performance Learning include Eton College, Rugby School, St Edward's Oxford, Strathallan School, Sunningdale School, Scalby School, The Appleton School, Topcliffe Primary School, Knole Academy, The Gatwick School and Brighton Hill Community School. In total, 300 institutions across the UK have used Performance Learning, from primary schools and pupil referral units to independent schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts.
Can Performance Learning guarantee my child's grades?
No. Nobody can honestly guarantee a child's grades, and Performance Learning does not. The 2.4 grades figure is an average across a group of students, not a promise for any individual. What Performance Learning can do is show you what is holding your child back, through the Foresight assessment, and give them practical ways to learn, revise and manage pressure.
Is Luke's E to A result typical?
Luke's jump from an E to an A in Maths in just under 12 weeks is one student's experience, and results vary from child to child. The best evidence of typical results is the average: students using Performance Learning improved by an average of 2.4 grades against their predicted grades (Thomas et al., 2024, an analysis of 940 students led by Birkbeck's Centre for Educational Neuroscience).
How do schools use Performance Learning?
Schools use Performance Learning to understand how pupils feel about learning and what is holding them back. The Appleton School used the data to identify the needs of students in Year 7 and Year 12, Castle Court School uses it to direct pastoral care, and All Saints, a Church of England Academy, used the reports to guide learning conversations before mocks.
Does Performance Learning only improve grades?
No. Performance Learning also aims to change how young people see themselves, how they respond emotionally to learning and how they manage stress, pressure and setbacks. School staff report changes such as pupils discussing their emotions more openly, growing in confidence and managing stress better, alongside improvements in revision and organisation.
