Assessments and Outcomes

We believe that true achievement is not defined by traditional measures alone, but by the progress each pupil makes towards a life of independence, purpose and belonging.

Our curriculum is designed to understand each learner deeply, remove the barriers that limit thinking, and enable every young person to access an ambitious, meaningful education that prepares them for adulthood.

Baseline Assessment, Curriculum Progression and Outcomes

Individualised Starting Point

Every pupil’s journey at Dysart begins with a detailed baseline assessment, using our Dysart cognitive profiling tool. This is revisited regularly, including through the EHCP process and at key stage transition points, ensuring our understanding of each pupil continues to evolve.

This process allows us to understand not just what a pupil can do, but how they learn best. We build a holistic picture of each learner, considering their:

  • Communication
  • Sensory processing
  • Learning to learn skills
  • Social, emotional and mental health
  • Subject knowledge

This understanding forms the foundation of a personalised pathway, ensuring that teaching is precisely matched to need, barriers to learning are reduced, and every pupil can access an ambitious, meaningful curriculum.

A Personalised Framework for Assessment, Progress and Outcomes

Progress at Dysart is tracked through a highly personalised and holistic framework, rooted in each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Each pupil’s EHCP areas and outcomes are directly mapped to our bespoke skill ladders, creating a clear line of sight from key stage end points to everyday learning. This ensures that teaching, provision and assessment remain sharply focused on what matters most for each individual.

Our approach recognises that progress is holistic and interconnected. We track development across all areas of need, including:

  • Communication
  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health
  • Independence and life skills
  • Cognition and learning
  • Sensory and physical development

Progress is captured through a rich and continuous picture of learning over time, including:

  • Skill ladder progression
  • EHCP outcomes and review meetings
  • Ongoing evidence from real-life learning experiences

This is:

  • Captured regularly through Evidence for Learning
  • Reviewed through termly assessment cycles and EHCP processes
  • Recognised through internal awards, including Footprints
  • Accredited through external pathways such as Ascentis qualifications
'Footprint to my Future'- Dysart Internal awards

Footprints to My Future is Dysart’s internal award programme, designed to recognise and celebrate pupils’ achievements in personal, social, health and life skills.

Built around our Skills for Life curriculum, it focuses on key areas including independence, relationships, community inclusion, health, interests and work-related learning.

Footprints is structured through progressive modules and units, allowing pupils to develop skills over time in a way that is personalised, meaningful and linked to real-life experiences.

Dysart Internal Awards – Footprints

Accreditation Offer - Key Stage 4 & 5

Our accreditation offer is personalised, progressive and aspirational, ensuring that every pupil’s achievements reflect their individual pathway and preparation for adulthood.

  • Across key stage 4 & 5, accreditation is matched to each pupil’s EHCP, pathway and readiness
  • Maths and literacy are embedded within functional, real-life learning
  • Pupils achieve either;
    • Full qualifications
    • Awards or extended awards
    • Individual units (recognising smaller steps of progress)
Key Stage 4 & 5 Maths and Literacy Accreditations

Maths

  • Embedded within Personal Progress
  • Pre-Entry Maths
  • Entry Level 1–2 Awards / Extended Awards
    (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)

Literacy

  • Embedded within Personal Progress
  • Pre-Entry Literacy
  • Entry Level 1–2 Awards / Extended Awards
    (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)
Key Stage 4 Accreditations – Building Independence and Skills

Personal & Independence Pathways

  • Entry Level 1 Award / Certificate in Personal Progress
  • Entry Level 1 Certificate in Independent Living
  • Entry Level 3 Certificate in Independent Living

Digital & Computing

  • Digital Documents
  • Digital Communication
  • Digital Devices and the Internet
  • Digital Awareness and Internet Safety (Pre-entry awards)
Key Stage 5 Accreditations – Preparing for Adulthood

Independence & Life Skills

  • Entry Level 1 Certificate in Personal Progress
  • Entry Level 1 Certificate in Independent Living
  • Entry Level 1 Certificate in Life Skills

Employability

  • Entry Level 1 Certificate in Using Employability Skills

Assessment & Outcome Data

Qualifications Achieved 2024- 2025
Qualification name  Achieved by (no of pupils) 
Ascentis Entry Level Award in Personal Progress (Entry 1)  2 
Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in Personal Progress (Entry 1)  2 
Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in Independent Living (Entry 1)  1 
Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in Independent Living (Entry 2)  1 
Ascentis Entry Level Award in Independent Living (Entry 3)  1 
Ascentis Entry Level Certificate in Independent Living (Entry 3)  16 
Ascentis Entry Level 1 Award in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)  3 
Ascentis Entry Level 1 Extended Award in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)  4