What is a key concern related to league tables in education?

The concern about league tables in education primarily revolves around the concept of marketisation of education. League tables rank schools based on their performance, often using standardized test scores or exam results. This ranking system creates a competitive environment where schools are incentivized to focus on improving their positions on the table, which can lead to various unintended consequences.

Marketisation refers to the introduction of market principles into public services, including education, promoting competition over collaboration. In this context, schools may prioritize strategies that boost their rankings, such as "teaching to the test" or focusing resources on students who are close to passing, rather than fostering a well-rounded education for all students. This competitive atmosphere can detract from the overall quality of education and potentially widen inequalities between schools, as those with more resources can afford to invest more heavily in achieving higher rankings.

The concerns about league tables therefore highlight how a system designed to provide transparency and accountability can instead lead to an educational landscape that values performance metrics over holistic learning experiences. This can challenge the fundamental purpose of education, which is to foster learning and development in a supportive environment.