What do the Difference and Variance columns mean in Series Comparison?

KS4

Difference: The direction of the 'spread' of results expressed in points. Sum of all points differences for all pupils divided by number of pupils. Since the move to 9 - 1 Grades at GCSE the Performance Points and Grades are now the same so the difference of 2 would be a difference of 2 grades in a GCSE subject.

Because this tool works in Performance points, the difference between between Vocational Grades will refer to the Performance points behind the grades, but you can still read this to see the difference in equivalent GCSE grades.

Variance: The 'spread' of results expressed in points  - this figure will always be positive. 2 pupils, 1 moving from a 4 to an 8 and the other 4 to a 5 are expressed as differences of 4 and 1. Divide total by number of pupils. 5/2 = 2.5. This indicates a variance of 2.5 grades in a GCSE subject (where the difference between each grade is 1 points, except from a U to a 9 which is 9)

KS5 (2016 onwards)

Variance: The 'spread' of results expressed in points  - this figure will always be positive. 2 pupils, 1 moving from a C to an A and the other B to a C are expressed as differences of 20 and 10. Divide total by number of pupils. 30/2 = 15. This indicates a variance of 1.5 grades in an A Level subject.

Difference: The direction of the 'spread' of results expressed in points. Sum of all points differences for all pupils divided by number of pupils. Using example above, 20 + -10 = 10, /2 = 5. 5 indicates a difference of +0.5 of a grade in an A Level subject.