--- title: Analysing KS4 Data by Subject description: Analysing KS4 Data by Subject | Help & Support — GO 4 Schools --- [Skip to content](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/analysing-ks4-data-by-subject#main-content) English - United Kingdom Show submenu for translations ![GO logo](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/hubfs/GO-logo.svg) - Home - Products - Pricing - Blog - Company Open main navigation Close main navigation - Home - Products - Pricing - Blog - Company - English - United Kingdom Show submenu for translations - Contact us Contact us How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [GO 4 Schools for Wales](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales?hsLang=en-gb) 2. [Data Management](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/data-management?hsLang=en-gb) # Analysing KS4 Data by Subject This guidance is intended to support all school leaders with the analysis of subject level data using GO 4 Schools, describing where key headline information can be viewed and how to drill down into key focus group analysis at subject and individual class level (determined by the data and settings present in your student attributes). The guide  focuses on the analysis available on the GO 4 Schools subject pages, however for core subjects, and subjects that contribute to the Capped 9 performance measure, you may find it useful to also refer to the headline measures table available on the year group home page. You may also find it useful to read the **[Analysing KS4 headline measures guidance](https://support.go4schools.com/en/support/solutions/articles/80000954385)** document. *Middle leaders* play an integral *role* in highly effective school improvement systems and should therefore be empowered to carry out thorough analysis of their subject level data following data drops and external exam results. This resource is a useful basis for school based CPD planning.  #### **National and school specific focus groups** The following key student focus groups have previously been used by the statistics and research branch of the Welsh Government to analyse academic achievement by pupil characteristics, and you may wish to use the same. However, further guidance will continue to be provided as we move closer to the introduction of new KS4 qualifications and new performance measures: - FSM - Sex - More able and talented - Ethnicity - English as an additional language (EAL) - Additional Learning Needs - Absenteeism Whilst (pre-pandemic) these groups were identified as priorities, based on national data, you may have different focus groups that have been identified from your school level data. If identified in SIMS many of these groups will feed through to GO 4 Schools in the feeds. However, if you have school specific groups (or wish to track the impact of interventions) you may want to request a school manager creates custom attributes enabling you to track these groups. From the moment assessment data is collected in GO 4 Schools you are then able to identify those pupils requiring early support and intervention to ensure any gaps that do exist can be reduced, or closed, so that students achieve their potential.   #### **Viewing subject level statistics and residuals** The subject level statistics and residual ribbons are displayed on each subject page, in addition to a breakdown of all focus groups setup in your school site marked for statistical analysis. The subject page is accessible by clicking the subject name on the year group page or via the departments link in the pathfinder menu. Below is a brief introduction to the links at the top of the subject page, but important points will be covered in more detail later in this document:  ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240585/original/22RGKV-4sxuvH9GB2PEiQB_4JCvQpOsm2g.png?1672228494) ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240579/original/OshQh5tgrh5bfzm412YJJ2MPcDk_THbZpQ.png?1672228494) 1. A link to the **new subject explorer**. 2. The qualification assigned to the subject and whether it is being tracked on whole or fine grades. 3. How to change from ‘live’ data to a previous snapshot and include subjects with the same discount code in the subject analysis. 4. Enabling exam analysis will include the analysis of actual grades on the subject page. 5. This link will allow you to change the grades being compared or displayed in the ribbons. 6. How to change the subject auto-charts visible on the subject page (please note these will only be visible if they have been enabled by a school manager). 7. How to add additional interactive ribbons for key groups. 8. Will all you to apply filters to the ribbon set. #### **Subject data explorers** The new subject explorer can be accessed via the link highlighted above.  The explorer displays a default set of columns, but you are able to draw in additional fields that are applicable to the context of your school (and focus of analysis) and delete those that are not required (by either clicking the x to the right of the field when in add/remove columns, or by clicking the x under the column heading in the explorer).  This is accessible via **Add/remove columns**: ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240583/original/pvvwqTTVWIjFlIq0wpbxtxSYM2axbC2oEw.png?1672228494)   You can display any of the student attributes that are part of an attribute set and contain data. The fields that you select from the left-hand side will appear on the right-hand side, and then in the explorer: ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240584/original/tkH23lJA5ZEhOmBHMGEuwb2Y9GJkpf243A.png?1672228494)   You are then able to filter by these key groups, and the displayed total/averages will be recalculated. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240586/original/tGNTUrjc3iDh9VoB3Ussxm1iLSsGR_BrgQ.png?1672228494)   To display the coloured residual bands illustrated above you will need to select Grades \> Residual: Band and then select the two grades you wish to compare. It is possible to save these columns, and share with others, via the **Load/save a set of columns** link in the top left-hand corner of the page. You can view this explorer as a student postcard by clicking the **Student postcard view** link.  This is particularly useful if you are maintaining a department style ‘war wall’. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240588/original/gIWHAaAUFJ-3vgA8CbTc1CdXe86Xnocn0Q.png?1672228494) A video introducing data explorers can be found in Help & technical support \> Online resources entitled ‘**New year and subject explorers**’. **TIP** If you are collecting item level data in your markbook for the purpose of question level analysis we have an additional guide entitled **[Creating QLA markbooks and Smith proformas](https://support.go4schools.com/en/support/solutions/articles/80000968594)**’. *Key questions:* - *Is there a gap in the APS for your FSM and non-FSM pupils?  What interventions do you have in place, and are they having an impact?* - *Is there a gap between the achievement of your male and female students?  How are you closing the gap if there is one?* - *Are you able to triangulate achievement with behaviour and attendance?* #### **Subject auto-charts** The auto-charts provide a visual summary of headline demographic and attainment data for the subject. Simply select the charts you wish to view, add them to your subject page, and tick ‘Remember charts’ for them to be stored as a cookie on your device. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240587/original/5BlR-tLQZSgMAtJkf01lMZvaEHY-06DLXA.png?1672228494) ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240589/original/f0ifUBnBR4PGpThToMFlcIK62Tlo-jR_lg.png?1672228495)   #### **Viewing snapshots and discounted pathways** You can select which grades and subjects are included in the subject statistics by clicking on the ‘change’ button shown below. This will enable you to choose whether to use the most recent ‘live’ data for current and predicted grades or select a snapshot from earlier in the year. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240592/original/6Tgse_lQazkAvNbc4PYush50tmXJTxGGwA.png?1672228495) ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240591/original/nAveMLD13nxQTzJjFGIDDP0YNU3XIlRKCg.png?1672228495)   You can always check what data the statistics are based on by checking the text next to the change button as shown below. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240590/original/hdvyDnSOQxy8ERY6dyVzOqlwiI6efrlPbw.png?1672228495) You are also able to select the subject qualifications that are included within the statistics if they share a qualification or discount code, which is particularly important if you split tiered subjects into two markbooks. In these instances, you can include or exclude a subject from the subject statistics by clicking on the checkbox. You can see in the example below that the Question Level Analysis subject has been excluded from the statistics, so only the statistics for the English qualification will be displayed for analysis. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240593/original/gGIXUIK8j_3dzCrXqnV_I4JaZBT1qsOi6w.png?1672228495) #### **Exam focus** To support the analysis of results data, it is useful to turn on the **exams focus** shown below. This will refresh the subject page and ensure the statistics use actual grades when displaying information. Key statistics are displayed on the subject page as shown below and include clickable links from the numbers or percentages shown in the tables. The names of the students contributing to the value is then shown so you can investigate further. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240594/original/5OuWUkC7mkpKLF2Z3lxaZPjZbaI9q3gwlQ.png?1672228495)   You can also view the residual percentages for the subject for each of the focus groups setup within your school site at the bottom of the subject page, in a section called ‘other statistics’ as shown below. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240596/original/r8ThpSRFZLiq5BOviXhq8Z1C4XOKbv96eQ.png?1672228495)   #### **Enhanced residual ribbons** The enhanced residual ribbons are displayed on each subject page as shown below and will use the residual scheme settings (colouring, grade value tolerances and band label) selected by your school. The ribbons are an excellent way to identify patterns between different classes and identify which students are below target and require further support to achieve their target. The ribbons also enable you to quickly and clearly compare the performance of key focus groups at the subject level using either interactive tables or ribbons. Selecting ‘actual’ grades as the preferred progress grade just for Year 11 will enable you to use the ribbons to analyse your actual results. **TIP**: You can also watch the video titled ‘New Enhanced ribbons and exam analysis’ for further guidance on the interactive functionality. The residual information shown below, including average residual for each group in the subject and overall residual, is displayed by default for every subject and group. You can also add extra ribbons to include additional information about specific focus groups by clicking on ‘add ribbon(s)’ shown below and selecting the focus group. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240597/original/GNQGO0Z3NC2d7oMHAtzLfpBfIqVs92ZaCA.png?1672228495) ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240598/original/CcUm69iKKXNS2uq3mcjQ0nDn3ga2QQqi4A.png?1672228495) ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240599/original/xSN0_YjSAPYREtD0AJFy99e718cRt4LAzg.png?1672228495) By clicking on the menu shown below, you can select additional focus groups. This enables you to see the residual, current and target grade information for very specific groups of students without having to create a separate attribute, such as FSM boys shown below. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240601/original/3Pd-dIjigIUB8HO44AXuJ9ljthJtycmuIA.png?1672228495)   All the ribbons are interactive and will provide further detail about student numbers, names and student pictures if you hover over the residual bar or click on a specific residual colour, as shown below. The information displayed in the pop-out can then be viewed in a data explorer or downloaded as a CSV. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240602/original/5_BVXG2gDBnUD9k29YPF0YnAX3uNoT4Nnw.png?1672228495)   In addition to viewing the residual information for all students and selected focus groups as coloured bars, you can also choose to view the residual ribbon information as a table. If you click on the box shown below, you can view all the ribbons you have selected as a table. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240605/original/4VEEjIN7wFWWqr9vJh6cfBggEsD88Ld7WA.png?1672228496)   The table provides options to display student counts, percentages or both, and as cumulative data. Alternatively, the data can be downloaded as a CSV file or printed. The cells within the table are also interactive and will display student names and pictures if you click on them. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240607/original/lBxE1hx64mR1HVxHTaWGF3kqEZLdtLWQMA.png?1672228496) ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240608/original/PqW0y6ZqRfa4zM0kP76WuFt64SF9Keg3ew.png?1672228496)              ### **Viewing class level statistics** You can view the same statistics for an individual class as outlined above for a whole subject. This analysis is found by clicking on the ‘group’ link for the class and is found next to the class markbook link, as shown below.  This makes the interactive ribbons invaluable as a teacher tool for reviewing their class performance and to support intervention and planning. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240610/original/My8nES-j1NQY353HTYQi_FhxWBcuS6kY8w.png?1672228496)   #### **Using the subject charts** You can quickly and clearly visualise the subject statistics available in GO 4 Schools using the subject charts, which are available by clicking on the ‘visit the subject charts page’ link shown below from the subject home page. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240614/original/gWt84YRXdu6zXDyXoUIotIzCY6FsgF_0ZA.png?1672228496) The charts provide the flexibility to view subject information contained in GO 4 Schools through bar charts, pivot tables, scatter plots or residual charts.  **TIP**: To find out more information and see further examples of how to use the subject charts, you can watch the videos titled ‘Using Pivot Charts’ and ‘Using Scatter Charts’. To draw a scatter plot representing the comparison between projected APS points and the target grade points entered in GO 4 Schools, coloured by teaching groups and filtered by FSM, make the following selections - Use the Grades\> APS points menu then projected current grade for the x axis and target grade official points for the y axis. Then colour the points by teaching groups. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240616/original/TPCXOGuDaPcdqAOi_iZJO4T3TQmMcOpBHg.png?1672228496)   If you click on ‘Draw scatter plot’ you will see a scatter plot showing the comparison for teaching groups, as shown in the example below. If you then click on the ‘edit’ icon, you will return to the scatter plot design wizard where you can select how you want to colour the points. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240620/original/YVZCxN0q1S117qvm6HgAHFFzvBF3dhn_2Q.png?1672228496)   This is a useful view as you can start to quickly identify positive or negative student outliers that are projected lower than their target grade. Further analysis can then be completed to identify class trends. You can also filter the scatter plot to identify focus group performance for comparison. If you click on the cog icon next to ‘filtered by’ and select FSM ‘true’ from the most recent demographic column you will be able to compare the performance of this focus group across all the classes in the subject. You can also select multiple filters to support analysis or select custom attributes created by your school. ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240621/original/itWE3KIF2_2voai7mExQODkZbseIJGMOXg.png?1672228496)   You can also use your cursor icon to hover over the class codes colouring key. The scatter plot will highlight the distribution of values for that class, helping to identify the spread of data and potential strengths or weaknesses requiring further investigation at student level. You can also use your cursor icon to hover over a point to identify more detailed information about the values or click on the point to identify which student or students you are viewing. Remember one point on the scatter plot may represent multiple students that achieved the same points values. If you then click on the name of the student, you will open the student overview page where you can further investigate the achievement of the individual student in more detail or export ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240622/original/JtOsMYai_R-uB6uIdxl_08fp_bFmMHZrEA.png?1672228496) ![](https://s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euc-cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/80172240623/original/WqWRlISM5plG8aLy601bM22iW9Nuqj8pxA.png?1672228496) - [FAQs](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/faqs?hsLang=en-gb) - [General](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/general?hsLang=en-gb) - [Reports](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/reports?hsLang=en-gb) - [Curriculum Management](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/curriculum-management?hsLang=en-gb) - [General User Guide](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/general-user-guide?hsLang=en-gb) - [Data Management](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/data-management?hsLang=en-gb) - [Video guides](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/wales/video-guides?hsLang=en-gb) - Home - Products - Pricing - Blog - Company [![GO logo](https://supporttest.go4schools.com/hubfs/GO-logo.svg "GO logo")](https://www.go4schools.com/) [mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com) Copyright © 2026, GO 4 Schools