As schools in England face increasing pressure to improve accountability and quality measurement, the call for a more balanced, holistic approach is louder than ever. Relying solely on exam results or test scores is no longer enough to show what makes a school successful. The discussion around Balanced Scorecards, highlighted by Rethinking Assessment and the Edge Foundation, opens the door to rethink how we measure school performance.

At Edurio, we collect and analyse national survey data on school staff, parents, and pupils’ experiences. This gives us valuable insights that can support a move towards a broader, more meaningful way of evaluating schools.

Our surveys cover a wide range of topics, providing data on:

• Teachers and education staff: Career opportunities, job satisfaction, wellbeing, leadership, pay, professional development, student behaviour, trust, and workload.
• Pupil experience: Assessment, behaviour, curriculum, engagement, extracurricular activities, wellbeing, learning process, safeguarding, and workload.
• Parent experience: Communication methods, informing parents, trust, parental confidence, parent events, pupil needs, relationships with schools, and accessibility.

Moving Beyond Traditional Metrics

Starting in September next year, new Ofsted report cards will focus on a broader view of schools, including context, inclusivity, pupil happiness, and wellbeing. They will replace terms like "inadequate" with more constructive feedback.

The Balanced Scorecard approach aims to give a fuller picture by using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that go beyond academics. Our data at Edurio supports this move. Both parents and teachers value broader measures like student wellbeing, teacher satisfaction, and community engagement.

For example, in the 2023/24 school year, our national data showed that less than half of pupils (47%) felt happy at school, a sharp decline from previous years. Nearly 20% reported feeling unhappy. This highlights why wellbeing needs to be included in any new scorecard approach.

"As schools prepare for the new report cards next September, we're thrilled to see a stronger focus on inclusion, wellbeing, and a more complete picture of school performance. These changes align with our mission to amplify the voices of students, parents, and staff." Ernest Jenavs, Co-founder and CEO of Edurio.

Key Metrics for a Well-Rounded Dashboard

To create a comprehensive school dashboard, a variety of KPIs should be included that capture the multifaceted nature of education. Edurio’s data offers useful insights in the following key areas:

• Student Wellbeing: Wellbeing surveys reveal that mental health is a growing concern for parents and staff. Tracking student wellbeing regularly helps schools address these issues early on.
• Engagement and Attendance: Metrics like absenteeism and student participation in both academic and extracurricular activities reflect the level of engagement and support within a school.
• Teacher Satisfaction and Development: Staff wellbeing surveys show a strong link between teacher wellbeing and student outcomes. It’s crucial to track teacher satisfaction, workload, and professional development opportunities to maintain a positive school environment.
• Teacher Retention: High staff turnover can signal leadership or working condition issues. Retention rates can identify problem areas that need attention.
• Community and Parental Engagement: Regular parental feedback on communication, school culture, and their child’s progress strengthens school-community relations. A school’s involvement with local organisations also shows its role in the wider community.

Final thoughts

The move towards a Balanced Scorecard approach is a significant opportunity to create a more comprehensive and inclusive education system. Schools can highlight their strengths, address areas of improvement, and engage stakeholders effectively by using a wider range of KPIs.

Edurio’s national survey data provides the insights needed to support schools in this transition, helping build dashboards that truly reflect the rich and complex nature of education. By offering a clearer view of their impact, schools can not only measure outcomes but also understand the difference they’re making in the lives of students, staff, and the wider community. This data-driven approach will help shift mindsets, encouraging schools to adopt practices that foster growth, inclusivity, and wellbeing—ultimately transforming how success is defined in education.