The Impact of E-Learning on GCSE Results in Knowsley, 2002

Published Autumn 2003, this report by Knowsley Council is based on independent research by Fischer Family Trust - an independent charity that undertakes and supports projects addressing the development of education in the UK. The report, based on 1,768 pupils in 11 secondary schools, proves - to 95% confidence limits - that e-Learning significantly improved GCSE performance.

A hard copy of the full report is available on request by email helpdesk@samlearning.com or telephone 0845 130 4160.

Summary of Conclusions

On average pupils with six or more hours of e-Learning achieved five GCSE points higher than pupils with similar prior-attainment - equivalent to more than half a GCSE grade per subject.

Pupils in the lower quartile of prior attainment pupils achieved nine GCSE points higher with six or more hours of e-learning in total.

Pupils with medium prior attainment achieved six GCSE points higher with six or more hours of e-learning in total.

The improvement for boys is more than for girls.

Additional Info

The gains by students using e-learning contributed to outstanding 2002 GCSE results by Knowsley schools where the number of students with five or more A*-C GCSEs went up 3% from the previous year. And this success has been repeated again in 2003 where the number of students with five or more A*-C GCSEs increased a further 3.5%.

Councillor Larry Nolan, Knowsley's Cabinet member for Education and Lifelong Learning, commented, "We have many initiatives in place to raise attainment including Easter revisions. One initiative in particular, an online exam practice website called SAM Learning, has paid dividends. Results, when analysed last year, showed that pupils who spent more than six hours using this site achieved five GCSE points higher than those who did not - in effect more than ½ a GCSE grade higher per subject. This year's results still need to be analysed but we are confident that the revision website, paid for by our own education department, has again made a difference."

David Jaffa, Managing Director of SAM Learning, said, "The Knowsley Report backs-up previous evidence that exam results can be improved quickly and effectively by coaching exam technique. The Internet can help by allowing cost effective large scale delivery of exam practice and self-marking by students at school and at home."

SAM Learning provides on-line exam practice and revision for SATs, GCSEs and A-Levels to 24 LEAs in the UK. Over 100,000 students chose to use SAM Learning six hours each on average last academic year; 48% outside school hours.