Assessment
Statutory assessment in primary schools in England runs from the reception baseline assessment and the EYFS profile, through the year 1 phonics screening check and the year 4 multiplication tables check, to the key stage 2 tests. The Department for Education updated the key stage 2 assessment and reporting arrangements for 2026 to 2027 on 12 October 2026. This topic also covers formative assessment, tracking progress and moderation.

Related articles
All articles on this topic
Your EAL provision is only as strong as your systemsBuild consistent EAL systems for induction, assessment and family communication—supported by FlashAcademy—to deliver scalable, high-quality provision.
Beyond the label: Why EAL data needs to tell a better story
EAL is too broad a label. Better proficiency data across reading, writing, listening and speaking helps leaders target support, evidence progress and improve provision.

A Quiet Revolution: 6 Surprising Changes Coming to England's Schools
The Curriculum and Assessment Review recommends removing the EBacc as a headline measure, reducing GCSE exam time and introducing V Levels.

The BBC 500 Words Competition: A Guide for School Leaders 2025
The BBC 500 Words competition encourages pupil creativity and literacy. Schools with 50% or more free school meals may receive a £75 National Book Token.

The BBC 500 Words Competition — A Guide for Headteachers and School Leaders 2025
The BBC 500 Words competition for children closed on 7 November 2025. It encourages creativity and literacy without judging on spelling or grammar.

SATs Week: What Headteachers Are Talking About – A Summary from the Community
Headteachers discuss SATs logistics, including Ofsted deferral policies, test security responsibilities, managing pupil illness, and reporting breaches.

How to Lead Assessment Effectively
James Pembroke suggests prioritising school ethos, simplicity, and monitoring to ensure assessment systems directly impact pupil learning.

X/Twitter Space: The Key to Impactful Marking and Reduced Workload
Steve discusses using the TeacherFastFeedback device to provide timely, personalised comments while exploring EEF research on effective feedback.

EmpowerED - In-Depth Guide to Sonar Tracker
Lee from Sonar Tracker demonstrates how to manage assessment data, set bespoke groups, and generate pupil analysis reports in this system walkthrough.

EmpowerED with Cambridge CEM
Suzanne Tipping demonstrates how Cambridge CEM baseline assessments and the digital Wellbeing Check provide data on student potential and pupil feelings.

EmpowerED with Juniper Education
Lee and Adrian from Juniper Education demonstrate how Sonar Tracker manages assessment and Marvellous Me facilitates positive parent communication.
Partner products
Some organisations featured are commercial partners. HeadteacherChat® may receive a fee or commission from partnerships or purchases made through our links. Schools remain responsible for their own due diligence and procurement decisions.

SmartEducator
AI marking and feedback platform for teachers; SmartEducator says it saves teachers up to 8 hours a week.

Everway
Digital tools for literacy, inclusion and accessibility—supporting every learner in class and exams.

DreamBox Maths
DreamBox Maths is an innovative, online learning programme designed to transform maths education.

Reading Plus
An adaptive, online reading development programme with a readability range from Year 2 - beyond GCSE.

Connecting Steps from B Squared
Connecting Steps helps schools track pupil progress, simplify assessment & reduce teacher workload.

Cornerstones Curriculum Maestro
We help primary schools to transform lives through curricula. Our Maestro platform and the Cornerstones Curriculum are used in over 1500 schools across the UK.