80.0%
New EHC plans issued within 20 weeks
% · 2025
Use the same exceptions basis for all comparisons. Excluding exceptions is the DfE release headline.
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Lifelong learning
Learning from the early years into adulthood. School outcomes use the location of the school; the adult qualifications survey uses where people live.
At a glance
Figures refer to their stated period.
41.9
Average Attainment 8 score
School-location measure. DfE outcomes as reported by Southampton Data Observatory.
Southampton Data Observatory / DfE · 2025
Checked 3 October 202668.1%
Reception good level of development
School-location measure. DfE outcomes as reported by Southampton Data Observatory.
Southampton Data Observatory / DfE · 2025
Checked 3 October 202678.4%
Year 1 phonics expected standard
School-location measure. DfE outcomes as reported by Southampton Data Observatory.
Southampton Data Observatory / DfE · 2025
Checked 3 October 202655.8%
KS2 reading, writing and maths expected standard
School-location measure. DfE outcomes as reported by Southampton Data Observatory.
Southampton Data Observatory / DfE · 2025
Checked 3 October 202644.1%
Residents with RQF4+ qualifications
Annual Population Survey estimate.
ONS / Nomis · January–December 2025
Checked 3 October 2026Put the figures in context
Source: Southampton Data Observatory / DfE · 2025
Checked 3 October 2026
School-location measure. DfE outcomes as reported by Southampton Data Observatory.
| Measure | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Average Attainment 8 score | 41.9 | 2025 |
| England: average attainment 8 score | 46.0 | 2025 |
Pupil enrolments aged 5–15 missing 10% or more of possible sessions across the full academic year; state-funded secondary schools.
Source: Department for Education · 2024/25
Checked 3 October 2026
| Measure | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent absence — secondary | 27.21% | 2024/25 |
| Persistent absence — secondary | 23.37% | 2024/25 |
The evidence
Compare definitions as well as values.
| Measure | Southampton / area | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Attainment 8 score | 41.9 points · Southampton | 2025 | Southampton Data Observatory / DfE |
| England: average attainment 8 score | 46.0 points · England | 2025 | Southampton Data Observatory / DfE |
| Reception good level of development | 68.1% % of pupils · Southampton | 2025 | Southampton Data Observatory / DfE |
| Year 1 phonics expected standard | 78.4% % of pupils · Southampton | 2025 | Southampton Data Observatory / DfE |
| KS2 reading, writing and maths expected standard | 55.8% % of pupils · Southampton | 2025 | Southampton Data Observatory / DfE |
| Persistent absence — primary | 15.99% % · Southampton | 2024/25 | Department for Education |
| Persistent absence — secondary | 27.21% % · Southampton | 2024/25 | Department for Education |
| Residents with RQF4+ qualifications | 44.1% % of residents aged 16–64 · Southampton | January–December 2025 | ONS / Nomis |
More verified figures
74.6%
New EHC plans issued within 20 weeks — including exceptions
% · 2025
Use the same exceptions basis for all comparisons. Excluding exceptions is the DfE release headline.
2,945
Active education, health and care plans
plans · January 2026
Includes early years, further education and children educated elsewhere. This is not the number or share of school pupils with an EHC plan.
4.9%
16–17 year olds known to be NEET
% · 2026
Average of December 2025, January 2026 and February 2026 returns. DfE management information: local authority tracking completeness varies. Unknown activity must not be presented as confirmed NEET. National rates are published rounded to one decimal; local rates shown to one decimal for consistent presentation.
21.40%
Persistent absence — all school types
% · 2024/25
3.36%
Severe absence — all school types
% · 2024/25