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4Matrix 4Matrix Support Knowledgebase 4Matrix Desktop: General User Guidance and FAQ
What do the Difference and Variance columns mean in Series Comparison?
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We are aware of the recent critical PHP security vulnerabilities highlighted by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) on 21st October 2026.

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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.

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Article ID:
143
Category:
4Matrix Desktop: General User Guidance and FAQ
Date added:
08/12/2016 16:41:28
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