At ISJ, academic excellence is measured not only by final outcomes but through the systematic tracking of growth throughout a pupil's educational journey. Through GL Assessments, ISJ documents pupil progress from Year 3 through Top Year, demonstrating how academic potential is transformed into strong performance.
The GL Assessment Framework
GL Assessments provide internationally recognised measures of ability and attainment, allowing direct comparison with leading UK independent and international schools. ISJ uses four key assessments: the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) measuring verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning; Progress Test in Maths (PTM); Progress Test in English (PTE); and Progress Test in Science (PTS).
These are administered at strategic intervals throughout the year to track individual growth, inform teaching strategies, and benchmark against global standards.
The Evidence
Many ISJ pupils begin with scores close to the UK national average of 100 SAS. Through a structured curriculum and targeted interventions, pupils demonstrate steady improvement year on year. By Top Year, ISJ pupils perform at levels equal to or exceeding UK independent school benchmarks.
The data shows that pupils improve their CAT4 scores by an average of 22 points between Year 3 and Top Year. Mathematics assessments show particularly strong growth, with Top Year PTM scores exceeding UK independent school averages. Science scores demonstrate a similar trajectory, with rapid acceleration in Years 6 to Top Year.
How ISJ Compares
By Top Year, ISJ pupils score above UK independent school averages across all assessment areas. Cognitive ability (CAT4): 120.8 versus the independent school average of 115. The rate of improvement accelerates in Years 6 to Top Year, demonstrating the cumulative benefits of sustained, high-quality teaching.
ISJ pupils show 2.2 times greater growth in cognitive ability, 1.4 times greater growth in mathematics, and 1.6 times greater growth in science compared to independent school peers. This growth-focused approach enhances every pupil's potential regardless of starting point.
What This Means
Regular assessment allows teachers to identify each pupil's strengths and areas for development. Pupils experience tangible progress, building academic confidence and motivation. By Top Year, pupils are academically prepared for success in the most challenging secondary environments and ready to compete with peers from top schools worldwide.
Through rigorous assessment, targeted teaching, and high expectations, ISJ delivers an education that prepares pupils not just for the next stage of schooling, but for a lifetime of learning. Further detail on outcomes is available on the Results page.