18th June 2025
Beyond Grades: Why Lingfield's Top 2.5% Value Added Ranking Matters to Parents
In August 2024, we proudly shared the outstanding exam results achieved by our Sixth Form students - including 81% of grades at A*—B or Distinction*—Merit, a 100% pass rate across all A Levels, and 92% of students heading off to university, securing their first-choice destinations.
What these impressive results didn’t immediately show, however, is just how far each student progressed during their time at Lingfield College. That’s where ‘Value Added Rankings’ reveal the true measure of a school's impact.
What Does 'Value Added' Actually Mean?
We all want our children to achieve their best - but how do you know if a school really helps that to happen?
Value Added in schools is a national measure used to assess academic progress made between key stages – in this case, from GCSE (Key Stage 4) to A Level or equivalent qualifications (Key Stage 5).
It compares each student’s actual results to the grades they were statistically expected to achieve based on national data.
This shows how much real progress they have made relative to students of similar ability nationwide. In other words, it highlights the “distance travelled” – not just what students achieve, but how much they improve while at School. It is widely recognised as one of the fairest ways to measure a school’s impact on learning and development, making it particularly useful for parents evaluating independent schools and sixth forms.
Lingfield College: In the UKs Top 2.5% for Academic Progress
We are delighted to be ranked 64th out of 2,561 schools nationwide, placing Lingfield in the top 2.5% of schools for academic progress at A Level, outperforming all local state settings and most independent competitors.
It confirms something we see daily across our School: students thriving, exceeding expectations, and becoming the best versions of themselves.
Why This Ranking Matters for Your Child?
Some schools perform well in league tables because they only admit students who are already high achievers.
But value-added tells a deeper story. It shows which schools are truly making a difference - not just for top performers, but for every child, regardless of where they started.
At Lingfield our exceptional progress scores reflect a whole-school approach designed to lift and inspire every learner:
- Inspiring, expert teachers who challenge and motivate
- Small class sizes that allow for personal attention
- A culture that is ambitious but grounded
- Pastoral care that builds confidence and emotional well-being
From students who arrive bursting with potential, to those who need encouragement to find their stride, Lingfield ensures every pupil is known, supported and stretched.
The Impact of Value Added on Student Futures?
The result? Confident, curious young people ready for exciting futures—not just with excellent results, but also with the personal growth, resilience, and independence to match.
A great education isn’t just about what students achieve – it’s about how far they’ve come. Our Value-Added ranking confirms that Lingfield delivers meaningful progress for every learner.
Richard Bool, Headmaster
Come and see the difference for yourself — book a tour and discover how Lingfield helps every student go further. Visit our Admissions pages for more information.