Malcol, The percentages quoted are for what's called Level 4 in the National Curriculum. In other words what is considered to be an appropriate level for children of that age, and that the school has 'succeeded' by achieving a high percentage. A child may be functioning below that level but could have special needs; these percentages are also reported but difficult to interpret as a parent who, generally speaking, wouldn't know what ' special needs' really means. So therefore the tables are hard to interpret. Primary school children can also achieve Level 5, which suggests that their numeracy and literacy are above average and as we all know , not all children are average. The Tables also like to include a 'value added ' score which I think attempts to include a background view of the intake. As far as I'm aware the percentage of children eligable for free school meals is one of them. In other words , don't compare Dulwich Village Infants to say, Crawford in Camberwell; the intake is bound to be different. It's a mine field. I'm sure other forumites can shed more light! If you're the parent of a young child you've come to right place, many here will give their support.