KS1 & KS2 NC Assessment update from Standards and Testing Agency - GOV.UK

FAO: Primary Headteachers, Lit/Maths/Assessment Leaders, Y2/Y6 teachers and moderators

Dear Colleagues,

As you may have heard today, Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary, made an announcement regarding KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum assessments for 2021.    

Key Stage 1

The KS1 tests have been suspended for 2021,  however teachers can choose to administer past papers to help inform their TA judgements, but there is no requirement to do so.   Schools do not need to make or submit TA judgements in science.  The phonics screening check administration period in June 2021 has been extended by one week to give greater flexibility to schools.

Key Stage 2

The KS2 reading and mathematics tests will continue as usual for 2021, however, school level data from the KS2 national curriculum assessments will not be published in performance tables in 2021 but will be available in ASP.  The KS2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling test has been suspended for 2021.  Schools do not need to make or submit KS2 TA judgements in science.  The multiplication tables check has been delayed until the 2021/22 academic year.  In 2021 schools can choose to administer the check to year 4 pupils between Monday 7th June and Friday 25th June, but there is no requirement to do so. 

External Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Moderation

LAs will still be required to conduct external moderation, to validate a sample of KS1 and KS2 judgements from maintained, academy and independent schools as in the past.  LAs are encouraged to plan for their usual face to face moderation arrangements in June 2021, but in accordance with Government advice and Public Health England guidance.  STA are keeping the Coronavirus situation under close review and if indicators show face to face moderation activities are not possible in June, they will publish further guidance in Spring 2021.

For further information and details please refer to the link below which will provide access to the assessment and reporting arrangement documents for both KS1 and KS2. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/standards-and-testing-agency