Key Stage 1 Tests & Assessments

At the end of Key Stage 1, your child (who will be about 7 years old) will be required to take a number of national tests. There is no notion of 'pass' or 'fail' in these tests; they are primarily designed to enable teachers to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of each individual pupil.The tests will let the teacher know what each child needs to learn next, so that they can tailor their teaching. They also enable the school to see how well it is teaching each aspect of the National Curriculum.

The Tests

The national tests at the end of Key Stage 1 are usually administered to fit around other school work, and will last less than three hours in total. The task and test materials cover the following:

English

• Reading tasks (levels 1–3)
• Writing tasks (levels 1–3)
• spelling test
• handwriting judgement

Mathematics

• Mathematics task (level 1)
• Mathematics test (level 2)
• Mathematics test (level 3)

... that children usually enjoy doing Key Stage 1 tests? Children get a sense of achievement from reaching each milestone in their learning, and then going beyond it.

Teacher Assessments

At the end of each key stage, your child's teacher will assess your child's performance alongside the national tests. Each subject in the National Curriculum is divided into eight levels - at the age of seven, most children are expected to achieve level 2. These teacher assessments will let you know you how well your child is progressing in relation to national expectations.

However, there will always be some children below and others beyond the target. If your child finds their work easy, talk to their teacher about what target they should be aiming for - they may need to aim higher. If the school says that your child is likely to find it hard to reach the target, your child may need extra help from their school and from you. However, do remember that children develop at different rates; some may not reach the level at the given age, but will catch up later.