As an advisory teacher for behaviour and therapist I find it remarkable that the link between emotional well being and child development is overlooked when setting benchmarks of/ for educational 'success' in looked after children. GCSE results are a snap shot of where a child is at emotionally and academically ....many looked after children are slow to reach their potential as they are hampered by the legacy of troubled life experiences and too frequent upheavals/uncertainties in placements(as mentioned). The Govts. academic benchmark for success is not appropriate for many LAC at the age of 15/16.......they are not ready.It is not a case of aspirations being too low, rather,there appears to be a lack of appreciation of the importance of co-ordinated quality provision to support emotional health and well being both in school and in their placements. This need underpins academic success-indeed, all learning. LAC have every right to succeed and carry this potential....just don't expect them all to present their achievements and deliver at the same time as thier peers. More work on supporting them 'where they are at' and well co-ordinated 16+ provision sends the message that they have not failed to match the achievement of their peers...and that their needs are understood and will be met in a way -the personalised learning packages suggested by the Govt seems to be forgotten in the flurry over exam benchmarks.