Key Stage 1
Key Stage 1 assessments are no longer statutory from the academic year 2023 to 2024 onwards.
The DfE are, however, continuing to develop and supply materials for optional end of KS1 tests. These will include optional tests of English reading, English grammar, punctuation and spelling and mathematics. They will also continue to make the end of KS1 teacher assessment frameworks available for optional use. The aim of the optional assessments is to give schools access to test papers to assist the measurement of pupil achievement and to help identify where pupils need additional support as they transition into key stage 2. The tests can also be used to inform teacher assessment judgements, using the optional teacher assessment frameworks.
The Government encourages schools to administer the optional tests and teacher assessments, but there is no requirement to use these or report results to parents or local authorities, and they will not be used for school accountability purposes.
The DfE have published the following guidance documents to support schools who wish to administer the optional tests and assessments to their pupils:
- Optional KS1 tests guidance
- Optional KS1 teacher assessment guidance
- Optional KS1 access arrangements guidance
If schools have any questions about the guidance, or the optional tests or assessments, they can contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or at assessments@education.gov.uk.
Unannounced Monitoring of KS1 Phonics Screening Checks will continue as normal. Please see Phonics Screening Check - Leap (hillingdon.gov.uk)
