Interpretation: Repetition Rate ideally should approach zero percent. High repetition rate reveals problems in the internal efficiency of the educational system and possibly reflect a poor level of instruction. When compared across grades, the patterns can indicate specific grades for which there is higher repetition, hence requiring more in depth study of causes and possible remedies.
Quality standard: Like other pupil-flow rates (promotion and dropout rates), repetition rate is derived by analyzing data on enrolment and repeaters by grade for two consecutive years. One should therefore ensure that such data are consistent in terms of coverage over time and across grades. Special attention should also be paid to minimizing some common errors which may bias these flow rates, such as: Over-reporting enrolment/repeaters (particularly in grade one); incorrect distinction between new entrants and repeaters; transfers of pupils between grades and schools.
Limitations: In some cases, low repetition rates merely reflect policies or practices of automatic promotion. The level and maximum number of grade repetitions allowed can in some cases be determined by the educational authorities with the aim of coping with limited grade capacity and increasing the internal efficiency and flow of students. Care should be taken in interpreting this indicator, especially in comparisons between education systems.
Percentage of repeaters (PR)
Definition: Total number of students who are enrolled in the same grade as in a previous year, expressed as a percentage of the total enrolment to the specified grade.
Purpose: To measure the extent and patterns of repetition by grade, as part of the internal efficiency of the education system.
Calculation method: Divide the number of students repeating a given grade in a given school year by the number of pupils or students enrolled in the same grade in the same school year and multiply by 100. It can be calculated for the whole level of education by dividing the sum of repeaters in all grades of the given level by the total enrolment of that level of education and multiply the result by 100.
Data required: Number of repeaters and enrolment by grade for the same school year.
Data source: School register, school census or surveys for data on repeaters and enrolment by grade.
Types of disaggregation: By gender, geographical location (region, rural/urban areas) and level of education.
Interpretation: High values reflect serious problems of grade repetition or the internal efficiency of the education system.