Standards and Testing Agency – Assessment Update 3 November 2026
For all Schools with Reception, KS1 and KS2 Phase
The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) latest email was sent on 3 November 2026 and includes the following information and reminders listed below.
For the full breakdown of the updates and guidance, please see the email shared by the STA – STA Assessment update 3 November 2026.
https://mailchi.mp/education.gov.uk/sta-assessment-update-3-november-2026-issue-5?e=5237f61c07
Key Headlines
Primary assessment general:
- Reminder: important publications you might have missed last half term
- Action: confirm your local authority monitoring and moderation agreement on the NCA Portal – for independent Schools and Academies
- Reminder: you can now switch between test cycles on the NCA Portal
Reception:
- Reminder: submit the RBA headteacher’s declaration form by Friday 6 November 2026
Key Stage 1:
- Reminder: decline 2027 phonics screening check materials, if no pupils will take part, by Friday 13 November 2026
- Reminder: order modified versions of the optional KS1 tests by Friday 13 November 2026
Key Stage 2:
- Reminder: place KS2 test orders by Friday 13 November 2026
- Publication: updated multiplication tables check IT guidance for 2027
Local Authorities
- Action: complete standardisation exercise 1 by Friday 13 November 2026
- Action: confirm monitoring and moderation agreements with independent schools and academies on the NCA Portal
If you are not currently receiving STA updates directly, it is important to stay informed so you do not miss critical deadlines or guidance. Sign up to the STA mailing list to ensure you receive all future updates as soon as they are released.
Schools and Early Years Improvement Service