There’s been a raft of reports published within the last week, in the run up to the Christmas break.  Here’s a quick round up:

• Improving social mobility through education – The DfE’s national action plan to support children and young people to reach their full potential, regardless of background.  The plan contains a specific “ambition” for high quality choice at age 16.
• Economic value of GCSEs – This DfE analysis estimates the potential value to the economy if more disadvantaged children achieved at least 5 good GCSEs, including English and maths, with the results presented by region.
• Review of summer series – Ofqual’s broad overview of exam planning, administration, marking, the awarding and post-results processes.
• National Reference Tests – Further details from Ofqual on the first national reference tests in English and maths which were conducted earlier this year.
• Teacher involvement in developing exam papers – Ofqual’s interim report with suggestions for addressing potential risks, but with a clear indication that the exam system benefits from the contributions of teachers.
• Comparability between exam board qualifications and the maintenance of standards over time – Three further reports have been published as part of Ofqual’s continuing work around comparability.
• DfE Single Departmental plan – The Department for Education sets out its objectives and how they will be achieved. The plan highlights reforms to technical education and investment in the Further Education sector.
• Ofsted annual report – The Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, launched her first annual report.  The overall quality of education is good and improving says the report, but there are some remaining areas of concern around underperformance, social mobility and challenging circumstances.
• Higher Education applications – UCAS’ end of cycle report provides analysis about who’s applying and getting in to HE, changing patterns of recruitment and the impacts of qualification and market reforms.