At re-designation specialist schools that meet certain published criteria are designated high performing specialist schools (HPSS). The published criteria for 2007 were:
(a) An overall Grade 1 Ofsted marking or
(b) An overall Grade 2 Ofsted marking with a Grade 1 in “Achievement and Standards” or
(c) An overall Grade 2 marking and with 60 per cent. or above 5+ A*-C GCSE including English and Maths in the 2006 KS4 results or
(d) An overall Grade 2 marking and in top 20 per cent. CVA national ranking and a minimum 35 per cent. 5+ A*-C GCSE including English and Maths in the 2006 KS4 results.
Since 2005, 393 schools have been designated HPSS. HPSS schools are an important element in our drive to build system-wide reform. They have opportunities to take on additional roles working with other schools and the community.
The published list of HPSS can be viewed at:
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/specialistschools/