Statutory guidance
Key stage 2: assessment and reporting
arrangements (ARA)
The following guidance is taken from the gov.uk website, and is meant to be a useful
reference tool. Please see the website to check for updated information, at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-2-assessment-and-reportingarrangements-ara
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Contents
Changes for 2014 to 2015 academic year
Statutory guidance now only online
Page 4
How test results will be used in performance tables
Page 4
Science sampling tests
Page 4
Optional tests for years 3, 4 and 5 are no longer available
Page 4
Getting help
Page 4
Introduction
The ‘Assessment and reporting arrangements’
Page 5
Legal status of the ARA
Page 5
How the ARA applies to different types of schools
Page 5
Responsibilities
Page 7
'Parent' - a definition
Page 9
Dates and deadlines for 2014 to 2015
2014
Page 9
2015
Page 10
National curriculum test timetable
Page 11
The national curriculum tests
Overview of the key stage 2 tests
Page 11
Schools that should administer the tests
Page 12
Pupils that should take the tests
Page 12
Registering pupils
Page 13
When to administer the tests
Page 13
How to administer the tests
Page 13
Monitoring the tests
Page 14
Maladministration
Page 14
Access arrangements
Page 15
Materials for the tests
Page 15
Test results
Page 16
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Teacher assessment
Summary
Page 17
What teachers must assess
Page 18
Pupils working below level 1 of the national curriculum
Page 19
Pupils who move schools
Page 19
Calculating overall TA
Page 19
Moderating end of KS2 writing TA
Page 19
Submitting TA data
Page 21
Maladministration
Page 21
Reporting to parents
What reports must cover
Page 22
Religious education
Page 22
Pupils with special educational needs
Page 22
Pupils who change schools
Page 22
Pupils who are registered at more than 1 school
Page 22
Keeping and maintaining records
Summary
Page 23
Disclosure of educational records
Page 23
Transferring records to a pupil’s new school
Page 24
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Changes for the 2014 to 2015 academic year
1. Statutory guidance now only online
2. How test results will be used in performance tables
3. Science sampling tests
4. Optional tests for years 3, 4 and 5 are no longer available
5. Getting help1. Statutory guidance now only online
The Standards and Testing Agency is no longer producing printed copies of the ‘Assessment
and reporting arrangements’ or ‘Test administrators’ guide’. This information is now only
available on GOV.UK.
2. How test results will be used in performance tables
Until now, the Department for Education (DfE) counted results from more than 1 year in the
performance tables. (For example, a pupil’s results were counted if they took English reading
early and then mathematics the following year.)
From 2016, the DfE will not count results from previous years’ tests in performance tables.
This means that pupils should only take the tests in 2015 if they have completed both the
English and mathematics programmes of study.
3. Science sampling tests
The science sampling tests won’t take place in 2015 as they happen every other year. The
tests will recommence in 2016.
4. Optional tests for years 3, 4 and 5 are no longer available
The new national curriculum is being introduced this year. Optional tests will not be integrated
with the new curriculum and have been discontinued.
5. Getting help
Standards and Testing Agency
53-55 Butts Road
Earlsdon Park
Coventry
CV1 3BH
assessments@education.gov.uk
National curriculum assessments helpline 0300 303 3013
For guidance on ordering modified test materials
schooltests@rnib.org.uk
STA modified test helpline 0300 303 3019
DfE enquiries
Central newsdesk 020 7783 8300
General enquiries 0370 000 2288
For reporting concerns about the national curriculum assessments
testadmin.STA@education.gsi.gov.uk
National curriculum assessments helpline 0300 303 3013
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Introduction
1. The ‘Assessment and reporting arrangements’
2. Legal status of the ARA
3. How the ARA applies to different types of schools
4. Responsibilities
5. 'Parent' - a definition
1. The ‘Assessment and reporting arrangements’
The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) and the Department for Education have updated
the ‘Assessment and reporting arrangements’ (ARA) for the 2014 to 2015 academic year. If
you are responsible for assessing and reporting key stage 2 (KS2) you need to refer to this
document. Please make sure you have read the Changes section.
The ARA explains the statutory requirements for KS2 national curriculum assessment and
reporting. It includes links to further guidance.
If schools have any regulatory concerns that have not been fully addressed by STA in line with
the published procedures, these can be raised with the Office of Qualifications and
Examinations Regulation.
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
2. Legal status of the ARA
This statutory guidance contains provisions made pursuant to Article 11 of The Education
(National Curriculum) (Key Stage 2 Assessment Arrangements) (England) Order 2003, SI
2003/1038 (as amended). This Order is made under section 87(3) of the Education Act 2002.
This statutory guidance gives full effect to, or otherwise supplements, the provisions made in
the Order. As such it has effect as if made by the Order. You can view the original Order on
the government’s legislation archive.
The ARA also contains guidance and information that does not form part of the law.
3. How the ARA applies to different types of schools
3.1 Maintained schools
The ARA applies to maintained schools, including maintained special schools, with pupils in
KS2. There are different arrangements for maintained hospital schools.
Maintained schools have a statutory duty to ensure that provision is made to meet the special
educational needs of their pupils. The access arrangements guidance gives detailed
information about the adjustments available for the KS2 tests and how to apply.
3.2 Academies and free schools in England
All references to academies include free schools, as in law they are academies. The following
information also applies to alternative provision (AP) academies.
Your funding agreement may say that you will follow guidance issued by the Secretary of State
in relation to assessments and teacher assessments of pupils’ performance. If so, you must
comply with the ARA. KS2 arrangements are only applicable if you provide education to pupils
at this stage of learning.
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Academies are not required to follow the national curriculum. You need to teach a broad and
balanced curriculum which, as a term of your funding agreement, includes English,
mathematics and science. (For AP academies, this only includes English and mathematics.)
Your funding agreement means that you must comply with statutory assessments on the same
basis as maintained schools.
You must make provision to meet the special educational needs of your pupils, according to
the requirements set out in your funding agreement. The access arrangements guidance gives
detailed information about the adjustments available for the KS2 tests and how to apply.
Your academy trust must make sure you have complied with the moderation, monitoring and
data submission requirements in this publication. All references to academies include free
schools, as in law they are academies.
3.3 Independent schools in England (not including academies)
Independent schools in England may take part in the assessment and reporting arrangements
for 1 or more subjects at the end of KS2, although they are not required to do so. Your results
will not be reported in the performance tables.
Participating independent schools must follow the arrangements in this ARA.
3.4 Pupil referral units and maintained hospital schools
Pupils who are on a maintained school or academy’s register but who are studying at a pupil
referral unit (PRU) or hospital school are required to take the KS2 tests.
It is the responsibility of maintained schools and academies to register the pupils for the KS2
tests and report their results.
Children not on the register of a maintained school or academy that attend a PRU or hospital
school are not required to take the tests. They are expected to receive a comparable education
to a pupil in a mainstream school. Therefore it is recommended that KS2 assessments form
part of their educational provision where appropriate.
3.5 Overseas schools
Service Children’s Education schools take part in the national curriculum assessment and
reporting arrangements in line with the arrangements for administration in England.
Other overseas schools can’t formally participate in the KS2 assessment and reporting
arrangements. They will be able to download the 2015 test materials once the test
administration window has closed.
3.6 Non-maintained special schools
Non-maintained special schools may take part in the assessment and reporting arrangements
at the end of KS2, although they are not required to do so. If you choose to participate you
should follow the arrangements in this ARA.
3.7 Home-educated pupils
Pupils who are educated at home can only take the tests if they are registered with a
maintained school, academy or other independent school that is participating in the tests.
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4. Responsibilities
4.1 Headteachers
All headteachers at participating schools have a duty to ensure that:
 the requirements in the ARA are implemented in their school
 teachers and other staff comply with the assessment and reporting arrangements
 the deadlines in the ARA are met
 pupils who have reached the end of KS2 are identified
These requirements are summarised below. Please refer to the relevant sections of the ARA
for further detail.
KS2 tests
All headteachers must:
 keep the test materials secure and treat them as confidential before, during and after
the test period
 be able to give an accurate account of everyone with access to test materials before,
during and after the test period
 ensure that their test administrators are appropriately trained, and that they administer
the tests according to the published procedures
 carry out all tests according to the published timetable, unless STA has approved a
timetable variation
 complete and submit the headteacher’s declaration form on the NCA tools website
after all test scripts have been collected for marking
 co-operate with any monitoring visit requests, including visits by STA or local authority
(LA) representatives
Headteachers of maintained schools, independent schools and academies must also note
specific, additional responsibilities below.
Headteachers at maintained schools and academies must also:
 consider whether any pupils will need modified versions of the tests and place a test
order by Friday 28 November
 ensure all pupils are registered for the levels 3-5 tests on the ‘Pupil registration’ section
of NCA tools by Friday 20 March
 consider whether pupils may be working above level 5 for possible participation in a
level 6 test
 register any pupils who they wish to take the level 6 tests on the ‘Pupil registration’
section of NCA tools by Friday 20 March
 register pupils for the levels 3-5 tests if they arrive at the school after Friday 20 March
You must also ensure any pupils who are registered at your school but are attending a PRU
or hospital school are registered for the tests.
Pupils who are not registered for the level 6 tests by Friday 20 March will not be able to formally
take part in those tests.
Independent school headteachers must also:

issue a privacy notice to the parents of any pupil participating in 1 or more of the tests
and receive approval before placing a test order
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


place orders for standard and modified levels 3-5 tests on the ‘Test orders’ section of
NCA tools by Friday 28 November
register all eligible pupils for the levels 3-5 tests, and any pupils who will be
participating in the level 6 tests, by Friday 20 March
ensure the tests are only administered to pupils that have been registered
If you miss the test orders or pupil registration deadlines your school will not be allowed to
participate.
Teacher assessment
All headteachers must:




submit data to STA which gives overall levels and individual levels for each attainment
target in the core subjects of English, mathematics and science for all pupils at the end
of KS2 by Friday 26 June
comply with the guidance on the external moderation of English writing TA, including
visits by LA or STA representatives
ensure their school has an appropriate system to record and submit data to STA by
the deadline date
ensure the data reflects any changes made as a result of LA moderation
LAs should notify STA if submitted data differs from the moderated data. This will be
investigated as possible maladministration.
Headteachers at participating independent schools must make sure they submit data to STA
for the tests their pupils took part in.
Reporting to parents
Headteachers at maintained schools, including maintained special schools, must provide
parents with written reports on their child’s progress at least once in each school year. They
must give parents an opportunity to discuss the report. This is noted in the Education (Pupil
Information) (England) Regulations 2005, SI 2005/1437.
The term ‘parent’ is used here as defined in section 576 of the Education Act 1996 as:



parents of a pupil
any person who is not a parent of a pupil but who has parental responsibility for the
pupil
any person who has care of the pupil
Keeping and maintaining records
Headteachers at maintained schools, including maintained special schools, must ensure the
statutory requirements for the transfer of records between schools are fulfilled, including the
completion of the common transfer file. This is noted in the Education (Pupil Information)
(England) Regulations 2005, SI 2005/1437.
4.2 Teachers of pupils in KS2
Teachers must comply with the provisions of this ARA when carrying out assessment and
reporting functions.
4.3 Governing bodies
Governing bodies of maintained schools must carry out their functions so that the
requirements in the ARA are implemented in their school.
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If the headteacher is temporarily or permanently absent, the governing body must ensure a
nominated representative carries out the headteacher's duties specified above.
4.4 Academy trusts
An academy’s funding agreement will usually require the academy trust (the body that runs
the academy) to comply with any guidance to ensure that pupils take part in assessments and
in teacher assessments of pupils’ performance as they apply to maintained schools. This ARA
is that guidance.
4.5 Local authorities
LAs must make sure their maintained schools understand and complete their statutory
assessment and reporting arrangements correctly.
LAs must also ensure any academies which have asked to be part of their assessment
arrangements are included in their monitoring and moderation activity.
LAs will:
 offer training and advice on all aspects of assessment at KS2
 view their schools’ applications for early opening of the tests or additional time
 make unannounced KS2 monitoring visits to at least 10% of their schools before,
during and after the test period
 inform STA of any irregularities in the test administration process or within any school’s
submitted TA data and discuss steps to take
 moderate English writing TA in a sample of schools
 ensure schools meet the requirements for transferring records between schools,
including the completion of the common transfer file as noted in the Education (Pupil
Information) (England) Regulations 2005, where this has been agreed between a
governing body and authority
If a school submits TA levels which are different from the agreed LA moderated data, the LA
will notify STA and investigate this as possible maladministration.
5. ‘Parent’ - a definition
The term ‘parent’ is used here as defined in section 576 of the Education Act 1996 as:
parents of a pupil
 any person who is not a parent of a pupil but who has parental responsibility for the
pupil
 any person who has care of a pupil
Dates and deadlines for 2014 to 2015
These dates may be subject to change.
1. 2014
2. 2015
3. National curriculum test timetable
1. 2014
Date
Activity
Local authorities (LAs) submit their completed moderation plan to the
Autumn term
Standards and Testing Agency (STA).
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Date
Monday 29
September
Activity
‘Test orders’ section of NCA tools opens for schools to order standard and
modified versions of the levels 3-5 national curriculum tests.
Friday 28
November
Deadline for schools to order standard and modified versions of the national
curriculum tests. If you wish to place an order for modified national
curriculum tests or change an existing modified test order after this date you
should contact STA’s modified test helpline on 0300 303 3019.
Friday 28
November
Deadline for independent schools to order test materials and issue privacy
notices.
2. 2015
Date
February
Monday 2 February
Activity
Schools that have ordered modified versions of the national
curriculum tests will be contacted by STA’s modified test helpline to
confirm their order.
‘Access arrangements’ section of NCA tools opens for applications
for additional time, early opening and compensatory marks.
Monday 23 February ‘Pupil registration’ section of NCA tools opens.
March
‘Test administration guidance’ refreshed for the 2015 administration
period.
Monday 2 March
Deadline for schools to submit applications for early opening and
compensatory marks.
Deadline for schools to complete pupil registration for all levels 3-5
and level 6 national curriculum tests.
Final week of spring Schools notified of inclusion in LA teacher assessment moderation
term
visits.
Monday 13 April
Deadline for schools to submit applications for additional time.
Friday 20 March
Monday 13 April
All schools that have applied for early opening will have been notified
of the outcome of their application via NCA tools.
W/c 27 April
Schools receive their national curriculum test materials (standard and
modified versions) and stationery items.
Summer term
LA teacher assessment moderation visits take place.
Monday 11 May Thursday 14 May
National curriculum test week (levels 3-5 and level 6 tests).
Friday 15 May
‘Access arrangements’ section of NCA tools opens for applications
for special consideration.
Friday 22 May
Deadline for schools to submit the headteacher’s declaration form.
Friday 22 May
Deadline for schools to submit special consideration applications.
Tuesday 26 May
Mark schemes available to download from NCA tools.
Monday 1 June
Friday 26 June
‘Teacher assessment’ section of NCA tools opens.
Deadline to submit teacher assessment data.
Friday 26 June
Tuesday 7 July
Friday 17 July
Schools that have applied for special consideration will have been
notified of the outcome of their application via NCA tools.
Pupil results and marked script images available on NCA tools. Level
thresholds available on GOV.UK
Deadline for schools to submit review applications.
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Date
Activity
Friday 4 September Review outcomes returned to schools.
3. National curriculum test timetable
Day
Levels 3-5 test(s)
Monday 11 May
English reading
Tuesday 12 May
English grammar, punctuation and spelling
test
Level 6 test(s)
English reading
English grammar,
punctuation and
spelling test
Wednesday 13 May Mental mathematics test; Paper 1
No level 6 tests
timetabled
Thursday 14 May
Paper 1; Paper 2
Paper 2
The national curriculum tests
1. Overview of the key stage 2 tests
2. Schools that should administer the tests
3. Pupils that should take the tests
4. Registering pupils
5. When to administer the tests
6. How to administer the tests
7. Monitoring the tests
8. Maladministration
9. Access arrangements
10. Materials for the tests
11. Test results
1. Overview of the key stage 2 tests
The key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum tests are designed to assess pupils’ knowledge and
understanding of specific elements of the KS2 programmes of study. They provide a snapshot
of a pupil’s attainment at the end of the key stage.
1.1 The levels 3-5 tests
Participating schools must administer the following levels 3-5 tests:
 English reading
 English grammar, punctuation and spelling
 mathematics
Results will be published as scores and corresponding levels for each test.
1.2 The level 6 tests
Participating schools may also choose to administer the following level 6 tests to pupils who
are working at, or close to, level 6:
 English reading
 English grammar, punctuation and spelling
 mathematics
A pupil must achieve a level 5 in the levels 3-5 test and pass the corresponding level 6 test in
the same year to be awarded an overall level 6 result. If the pupil doesn’t pass the level 6 test
they will be awarded the level achieved in the levels 3-5 test.
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2. Schools that should administer the tests
Participation in the tests depends on the type of school.
2.1 Maintained schools
All maintained schools and maintained special schools must participate.
2.2 Academies and free schools in England
Academies and free schools must participate where it forms part of their funding agreement.
2.3 Pupil referral units and maintained hospitals schools
If you have pupils who are on the register at a maintained school or academy they are required
to take the tests.
Children not on the register of a maintained school or academy that attend a PRU or hospital
school are not required to take the tests. They are expected to receive a comparable education
to a pupil in a mainstream school. Therefore it is recommended that KS2 assessments form
part of their educational provision where appropriate.
2.4 Overseas schools
Service Children’s Education schools must participate.
2.5 Non-maintained special schools
Non-maintained special schools may participate, although they are not required to do so. If
you choose to participate you must follow the arrangements described here.
2.6 Independent schools in England
Independent schools may participate, although they are not required to do so. If you choose
to participate you must follow the arrangements described here.
3. Pupils that should take the tests
The majority of pupils working at level 3 or above in May 2015 must take the levels 3-5 tests
in the year they complete the KS2 programme of study. Exceptions are described below.
Pupils may also take the level 6 tests. Headteachers should consider a pupil’s expected
attainment before registering them for the level 6 tests. They should be demonstrating
attainment above level 5.
Pupils must take the levels 3-5 and corresponding level 6 test in the same year. If a school
wishes to enter pupils for a levels 3-5 test early they should consider whether to enter them
for the corresponding level 6 test. Pupils will not be allowed to take it in following years.
3.1 Pupils who may take the tests at the headteacher’s discretion
Headteachers should refer to the guidance when deciding whether it’s appropriate for the
following pupils to sit the tests. The headteacher’s decision regarding participation is final.
Pupils who:
 are older than 11 at the end of KS2
 are working at level 3 but who are unable to access them, eg because of absence or
disability
 have recently joined your school
 have English as an additional language (EAL)
If you decide a pupil shouldn’t sit a test you should explain your decision to the pupil’s parents
If appropriate, you should provide the parents with documentary evidence to support your
decision.
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4. Registering pupils
All pupils at participating schools must be registered for the levels 3-5 tests, regardless of
whether they will actually sit them.
Pupils must be registered on the ‘Pupil registration’ section of the NCA tools website. This
opens on Monday 23 February.
Any pupils that you haven’t registered for the level 6 tests by Friday 20 March will not be able
to participate in them. You may register pupils for the level 6 tests and subsequently withdraw
them.
You must continue to register pupils for the levels 3-5 tests if they arrive at your school after
Friday 20 March.
Independent schools that have not completed pupil registration by Friday 20 March will not be
allowed to participate in the 2015 tests.
5. When to administer the tests
All tests must be administered on the days specified in the statutory test timetable unless you
have had a timetable variation approved. Tests must not be taken before the day specified in
the statutory timetable. Headteachers are responsible for deciding the start time for the tests
each day. If your school is taking part in a level 6 test, the corresponding levels 3-5 test must
be administered earlier the same day.
All of your pupils should take each test at the same time. If this isn’t possible you may:
 move the test for individual pupils within the scheduled day
 schedule a second sitting of a particular test
The second sitting must immediately follow the first.
5.1 Changes to the statutory test timetable
If a school uses a timetable variation the headteacher must ensure that:
 the pupil takes the test(s) at the nominated time(s)
 we are informed of any variation to the nominated time
You must also make sure affected pupils haven’t had the opportunity to communicate with any
other pupils who have already taken the test. You must gain assurance from parents that the
pupil:
 is kept apart from other pupils taking or who have taken the test
 hasn’t had access to the internet during the test period
6. How to administer the tests
The tests must be administered in accordance with the Standards and Testing Agency’s
(STA’s) test administration guidance and the guidance which accompanies the test materials.
Headteachers must make sure the guidance is read and followed by all teachers, teaching
assistants and others involved in administering the tests.
The test administration guidance on GOV.UK will be updated for the 2015 tests by March
2015. We won’t be printing the ‘Test administrators’ guide’.
6.1 Administering the tests away from school
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In exceptional circumstances and at the headteacher’s discretion, schools may administer
tests at a different location within the UK, eg another school, the pupil’s home, a hospital or
pupil referral unit. You must still ensure the test administration guidance is followed correctly.
7. Monitoring the tests
Monitoring visitors, for example local authority (LA) or STA representatives, will make
unannounced visits to schools administering the tests. They will look to see if your school is
following our procedures on:
 keeping the test materials secure
 administering the tests
If you receive a monitoring visit you must allow visitors to:
 see all KS2 test materials and any relevant delivery notes
 observe any tests being administered
 see evidence to show that pupils using access arrangements, eg prompters or scribes,
are doing so in accordance with normal classroom practice
 see copies of correspondence and other documents sent to and received from your
LA or us about the administration of the tests
We will carry out a full investigation if a monitoring visitor sees:
 administrative irregularities
 potential maladministration
This will help us to make a decision on the accuracy or correctness of a pupil’s results.
You should refer to the guidance on monitoring visits for further information. This will be
revised in April.
7.1 Maintained schools
LAs have a statutory duty to make monitoring visits to at least 10% of maintained schools in
their authority before, during and after the test period.
7.2 Academies
Academies created before 1 September 2014 must choose which LA they come under for
monitoring purposes. This can be your geographical LA or another LA. We will ask you to
confirm your choice in the autumn term, 2014.
If you became an academy after 1 September 2014 you will be part of your geographical LA’s
arrangements.
8. Maladministration
The term ‘maladministration’ refers to any act that:
 affects the integrity, security or confidentiality of the KS2 tests
 could lead to results that don’t reflect pupils’ unaided work
Your school could be subject to investigations of maladministration if it doesn’t comply with:
 the ‘Assessment and reporting arrangements’
 our test administration guidance
You should report any issue with the administration of the test and/or any allegations of
maladministration you receive by calling the national curriculum assessments helpline.
We have a statutory duty to investigate any matter brought to our attention relating to the
accuracy or correctness of any pupil’s results in the national curriculum tests. The
‘Maladministration investigation procedures’ explain how we do this.
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9. Access arrangements
The access arrangements guidance explains how readers, scribes and other arrangements
can be used in each test, and what you need to do to use them.
Access arrangements may be appropriate for a pupil:
 with a statement of special educational need (SEN) or an Education Health and Care
Plan as described in SEN Code of Practice or a local equivalent such as an Individual
Pupil Resourcing Agreement (IPRA)
 for whom provision is being made in school using the SEN Support system or the
School Action or School Action Plus aspect of the SEN code of practice and whose
learning difficulty or disability significantly affects their ability to access the tests
 who requires alternative access arrangements because of a disability (which may or
may not give rise to a special educational need)
 who is unable to sit and work for a long period because of a disability or because of
social, emotional or mental health difficulties
 with EAL and who has limited fluency in English
You must make sure you have documentation to show that a pupil is eligible for access
arrangements. This must include evidence that resources are routinely committed to providing
this support in the classroom. You must be able to show the documentation if you have a
monitoring visit.
If schools use access arrangements for a pupil inappropriately, the pupil’s results may be
annulled.
Access arrangements are adjustments that you must consider before the tests. They should
be based primarily on normal classroom practice for pupils with particular needs. Access
arrangements must never provide an unfair advantage. The support given must not change
the test questions and the answers must be the pupil’s own.
10. Materials for the tests
Schools will receive test materials based on the number of pupils they register for the tests by
Friday 20 March, the pupil registration deadline. All participating schools must complete pupil
registration.
If you need additional copies of the mental mathematics CD you must use the NCA tools
website to place an order by Friday 28 November.
Independent schools must place a test order by Friday 28 November. If you miss this deadline
you will not be able to take part in the 2015 test cycle.
10.1 Modified versions of the tests
Schools can administer braille, modified large print or enlarged print versions of the tests. You
may order:
 modified test materials for pupils with a visual impairment or other special educational
needs
 modified mental mathematics test materials for pupils with a hearing impairment, pupils
who use sign language and pupils who have difficulty accessing the aural version of
the test
Please read the guidance about ordering materials for pupils with a visual or hearing
impairment before placing your order. Our modified test helpline can also offer advice.
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You should order modified test materials from the ‘Test orders’ section of NCA tools by Friday
28 November.
Orders for modified versions of the level 6 tests will only be fulfilled for schools that are
registered for the level 6 tests by Friday 20 March.
10.2 Test deliveries
You will receive test materials, including modified materials, in the week commencing 27
April.
Materials will be delivered to school addresses taken from EduBase. Please make sure your
details are up to date.
You won’t receive mark scheme packs or mark scheme amendments for the modified tests.
These will be published on the NCA tools website after all test scripts have been collected for
marking in May.
10.3 Security of the test materials
Headteachers are responsible for ensuring that the integrity of the tests is maintained so that
no pupil has an unfair advantage over another. You must keep your test materials secure and
treat them as confidential from the point your school receives them until Friday 22 May (the
end of the timetable variation period).
Test packs should be opened in the test room when the pupils are ready to start the test unless
we have granted permission for opening them early.
Teachers and test administrators mustn’t discuss the content of the test papers with anyone
or use question-specific information to prepare pupils for the test. In particular, you mustn’t
discuss specific content which could compromise the test on social media or publish it in blogs.
After the tests have been administered the test scripts must be kept securely until they are
collected for marking.
11. Test results
11.1 Return of results to schools
Results will be published as marks and levels for each test. Schools will be able to view their
results on Tuesday 7 July from the ‘Pupil results’ section of the NCA tools website.
Level threshold tables for the tests will be published on GOV.UK on Tuesday 7 July.
11.2 Return of test scripts to schools
Marked test scripts will be available on or by Tuesday 7 July as follows. Test scripts marked:
 in hard copy will be returned to you in the same format
 on screen will be available to access and print via NCA tools
You may return marked test scripts to your pupils but you aren’t required to do so.
You must report any missing marked test scripts immediately to the national curriculum
assessments helpline.
11.3 Reviews of marking
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Schools can apply for a review of marking if they believe there is evidence that a mark scheme
has not been applied correctly or a clerical error has occurred. The deadline for applications
is Friday 17 July.
You will be informed of the outcome of review applications by Friday 4 September. You will
receive your reviewed hard copy test scripts during the week commencing 31 August. Test
scripts marked on screen will be available on Friday 4 September.
11.4 How the Department for Education uses test results
The Department for Education (DfE) includes all pupils who have completed KS2 when
calculating school-level performance measures in performance tables and on the RAISEonline
website. This includes pupils:
 with special educational needs
 working below the level of the tests
 unable to access the tests
 who were absent when the tests were administered
During the performance tables data checking exercise, schools can apply for pupils who are
recently arrived from overseas to be discounted from these calculations. To be discounted, a
pupil must meet all 3 of the following criteria:
 they were admitted to an English school for the first time during the 2013/14 or 2014/15
school year
 they arrived from overseas before their admission
 English is not an official language of the country they came from
The DfE’s performance tables data checking exercise takes place in September each year. If
you have queries about this or the performance tables contact the DfE’s national enquiry line.
Teacher assessment
1. Summary
2. What teachers must assess
3. Pupils working below level 1 of the national curriculum
4. Pupils who move schools
5. Calculating overall TA
6. Moderating end of KS2 writing TA
7. Submitting TA data
8. Maladministration
1. Summary
Headteachers must report teacher assessment (TA) judgements to the Standards and Testing
Agency (STA) for pupils who are at the end of key stage 2 (KS2). Judgements must be
reported for English, mathematics and science. This includes component attainment targets.
TA for KS2 English writing is subject to statutory external moderation. This must take place
before the school submits its data.
Data must be submitted to us via the ‘Teacher assessment’ section of the NCA tools website
by Friday 26 June 2015.
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TA provides a rounded judgement that:
 is based on knowledge of how the pupil has performed over time and in a variety of
contexts
 takes into account strengths and weaknesses of the pupil’s performance
The Department for Education (DfE) uses TA data in the performance tables, RAISEonline
and floor standards. Data submitted late will not be used in the performance tables data
checking exercise, or the RAISEonline release of unvalidated data.
Schools can apply for pupils who are recently arrived from overseas to be discounted from
these calculations. To be discounted, a pupil must meet all 3 of the following criteria:
 they were admitted to an English school for the first time during the 2013/14 or 2014/15
school year
 they arrived from overseas before their admission
 English is not an official language of the country they came from
The DfE’s performance tables data checking exercise takes place in September each year. If
you have queries about this or the performance tables contact the DfE’s national enquiry line.
2. What teachers must assess
At the end of KS2, you must summarise your judgements for each eligible pupil, taking into
account the pupil’s progress and performance throughout the key stage. You need to
determine:
 a TA for each attainment target in English, mathematics and science
 an overall TA in each of these subjects
You must only base your judgements on the level descriptions in the national curriculum. You
must use your knowledge of a pupil’s work over time and across a range of evidence to judge
which level description is closest to the pupil’s performance. Take into account the pupil’s:
 written, practical and oral classwork
 results of informally administered tests taken in class
 homework
You should consider the level descriptions of the attainment targets immediately above and
below the level awarded to confirm which level is the closest match to the pupil’s performance.
There is no requirement to determine a sub-level.
There may be pupils that you can’t make a full TA judgement for, eg because of lengthy
periods of absence. You should still report a TA code when you submit your TA data.
2.1 Attainment targets which require a TA
You need to determine and submit a TA for each of these attainment targets.
English:
 speaking and listening
 reading
 writing
Mathematics:
 using and applying mathematics
 number and algebra
 shape, space and measures
 handling data
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Science:
 scientific enquiry
 life processes and living things
 materials and their properties
 physical processes
3. Pupils working below level 1 of the national curriculum
The use of P scales is statutory for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) who are
working below level 1 of the national curriculum. In this context, SEN is defined by section 20
of the Children and Families Act 2014 by reference to a child who has a ‘significantly greater
difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age’.
You need to use P scales to record and report the achievements of pupils with SEN in English,
mathematics and science.
Pupils working towards level 1 of the national curriculum who do not have a special
educational need should be reported to us as ‘W’ (Working below the level). This includes
pupils who are working towards level 1 solely because they have English as an additional
language. You should use the code ‘NOTSEN’ to explain why a pupil working towards level 1
does not have P scales reported.
4. Pupils who move schools
TA judgements must be submitted by Friday 26 June (the statutory deadline for submission of
TA data).
The school where the pupil was registered during the KS2 test week must submit TA data to
us. If a pupil moves before test week, the receiving school must submit TA data. If a pupil
moves during test week, the school where they sat each test should submit the data. For
example if the pupil sat English reading at one school and mathematics at another, each
school must submit data for the relevant test(s).
5. Calculating overall TA
Teachers have to use weightings to calculate an overall teacher assessment for each pupil for
each subject. These must be entered into your school management information system.
6. Moderating end of KS2 writing TA
External moderation is statutory. It gives confidence that schools’ TA judgements are accurate
and consistent with national standards.
All maintained schools and academies will be moderated by their local authority (LA) at least
once every 4 years. The statutory guidance for key stage 2 teacher assessment moderation
includes details of the moderation process and how visits are carried out. Headteachers and
LA moderators should be familiar with this guidance. The following information gives an
overview.
6.1 Local authorities
LAs are responsible for moderating TA judgments in at least 25% of their maintained
schools. They must also moderate any academies that have chosen to be part of their
arrangements. LAs must provide an appeals process.
We are responsible for monitoring the LA moderation process. We scrutinise all LAs to make
sure their processes are robust and meet the statutory national requirements.
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6.2 Headteachers
Headteachers are responsible for:
 ensuring that the required national processes are followed
 ensuring that their school’s TA judgements are accurate
 submitting accurate TA data
You must make sure that those carrying out TA have enough opportunity to become familiar
with national assessment standards, using funds available within the school’s overall
resources.
If there is evidence that a school has not followed national processes, this may be investigated
as maladministration.
If you receive a moderation visit you must:
 ensure TA has been internally moderated and challenged by the school leadership
 provide your LA with a ranked list of pupils by class with their TA
 allow the moderator to enter your school at all reasonable times
During the visit you must:
 meet the moderator’s requests for samples of pupils’ classwork or any other
information reasonably required
 make time for the moderator to discuss the assessments with year 6 teachers
Your LA moderator will make a record of the visit. This will confirm:
 any TA judgements where the LA will consider additional evidence for a higher level
 any TA which the moderator has asked you to reconsider
You must submit accurate TA data which reflects any changes made as a result of an LA
moderation visit. If you wish to submit TA that is different from that agreed during the visit you
must contact your LA. You will need to give evidence to justify your changes and reach
agreement on final data. There could be a maladministration investigation of your school’s
TA if you submit changed data without your LA’s consent.
6.3 Academies
Academies can’t opt out of external moderation requirements.
Academies created before 1 September 2014 must choose their LA moderation supplier. This
can be your geographical LA or another LA. We will ask you to confirm your choice in the
autumn term, 2014.
If you became an academy after 1 September 2014 you will be part of your geographical LA’s
arrangements for the 2014-2015 moderation cycle.
6.4 Independent schools
Independent schools may submit their results to the DfE for inclusion in the national summary
of results. If you wish to do so, your school must be moderated in the first year it participates
and then at least once in every 4 year cycle. You must use an LA to process and verify your
teacher assessments each year of the 4 year statutory moderation cycle.
Your school can only claim that its results are comparable with national or local results if it has
taken part in the moderation process at least once in a 4 year cycle.
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7. Submitting TA data
TA data is submitted to us via the ‘Teacher assessment’ section of the NCA tools website.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 26 June. You should refer to the guidance on
submitting data for instructions and codes.
7.1 Maintained schools, including special schools
You must submit TA judgements in English, mathematics and science, including component
attainment targets. You must do this by either submitting your data:
 using NCA tools
 via your LA, where the LA has agreed to submit on your behalf
Your school’s submission must include TA data for every pupil:
 that your school registered to sit a national curriculum test
 registered as working below the level of the tests
7.2 Academies
You must comply with the KS2 assessment arrangements in relation to reporting which are
set out in your funding agreement.
7.3 Independent schools and non-maintained special schools
If your school is participating in the assessment and reporting arrangements, you must submit
TA judgements for the subjects you have registered pupils for.
8. Maladministration
It is our statutory duty to investigate any matter brought to our attention relating to the accuracy
or correctness of a pupil’s TA. Our maladministration team will work closely with LAs to
investigate any allegations of maladministration. The maladministration investigation
procedures explain how we process allegations, as well as roles and responsibilities for school
visits. This is supported by guidance for LAs carrying out visits on our behalf.
Once an investigation has finished we are responsible for deciding whether the school’s TA is
accurate. We may void the school’s TA judgements if we conclude that there is doubt about
the accuracy of pupils’ assessments.
‘Maladministration’ refers to any act that:
 affects the integrity, security or confidentiality of national curriculum assessments
 could lead to results that do not reflect pupils’ actual ability or unaided work
Reporting to parents
1. What reports must cover
2. Religious education
3. Pupils with special educational needs
4. Pupils who change schools
5. Pupils who are registered at more than 1 school
Headteachers at maintained schools, including maintained special schools must prepare
annual reports for every pupil’s parents. You must make arrangements for parents to discuss
the report with their child’s teacher, if they so wish to do so.
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1. What reports must cover
The report must start from the day after the last report was given. It must be available to parents
before the end of the summer term.
The report must cover the pupil’s:
 achievements
 general progress
 attendance record
Where appropriate it must also include results of any:
 national curriculum tests, by level
 public examinations, by subject and grade
If a national curriculum test result is not received by a headteacher before the end of the
summer term it must be provided to parents within 15 school days of the headteacher receiving
it.
Detailed content requirements, including specific information for key stage 2, are set out in
Schedule 1, Regulation 6 (4) of the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005,
SI 2005/1437).
Academies’ requirements are set out in their funding agreements.
2. Religious education
Religious education is a statutory subject for all pupils registered at a maintained school,
except for pupils:
 in nursery classes
 who have been withdrawn by their parents under section 71 of the School Standards
and Framework Act 1998
It is a general requirement that schools report pupil’s progress in religious education to
parents. There is no required format for reports.
3. Pupils with special educational needs
Requirements for reporting on pupils with special educational needs are set out in paragraph
2 of Schedule 1 to the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005. This
includes specific headings which you should use when reporting on English, mathematics and
science.
4. Pupils who change schools
If a pupil changes school before the end of the academic year, the headteacher should still
write an annual report for the pupil. This should be issued to the pupil’s parents. The parents
should have the opportunity to discuss the report with their child’s teacher.
5. Pupils who are registered at more than 1 school
If a pupil is registered at more than 1 school each headteacher should write an annual report
for parents. You should also make arrangements for parents to discuss the report with their
child’s teacher (if the parent wishes).
Pupils may be registered at more than 1 school. This helps to ensure continuity of learning for
pupils whose families travel for occupational purposes or who may not have a fixed address.
Regulation 9 of the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 allows the dual
registration of ‘families that travel for occupational purposes’. Regulation 9(3) and (4) defines
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which school would be the base school (school of ordinary attendance). Regulation 9(1)
applies to a pupil who:
 has no fixed abode for the reason that his/her parent is engaged in a trade or business
of such a nature as to require him/her to travel from place to place
 is at the time registered as a pupil at 2 or more schools
Keeping and maintaining records
1. Summary
2. Disclosure of educational records
3. Transferring records to a pupil’s new school
1. Summary
Schools must ensure that educational records are maintained and disclosed to parents on
request, as noted in the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005 (SI
2005/1437). Educational records include information about pupils (and former pupils):
 processed by, or on behalf of, the governing body or a teacher
 originating from or supplied by local authority (LA) employees (for certain schools)
 originating from or supplied by teachers or other employees of the school
Records processed by a teacher solely for the teacher’s own use will be excluded from pupils’
educational records.
Schools must also keep curricular records on every pupil. Curricular records form a ‘subset’
of a pupil’s educational record. They are a formal record of a pupil’s academic achievements,
skills, abilities and the progress they make at a school. They must be updated at least once a
year.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), schools are responsible for ensuring that the
collation, retention, storage and security of all personal information they produce and hold
meets the provisions of the DPA. This includes:
 personal information appearing in a pupil’s educational record
 any other information they hold which identifies individuals, including pupils, staff and
parents
Schools must consider the implications of the DPA, under which they are required to register
as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Many schools consult
their legal advisors for guidance on their responsibilities under the DPA and advice on
developing their data policies.
2. Disclosure of educational records
There are several pieces of legislation under which information may be accessed from public
organisations, including schools. These include the DPA and the Freedom of Information Act
2000. Access to a pupil’s educational information is most appropriately covered by the right of
access under the Pupil Information Regulations.
All information incorporated within a pupil’s educational record constitutes personal data under
the DPA. It is therefore subject to disclosure following a written ‘subject access’ request by the
pupil or a parent on their behalf.
Under these Regulations a school’s governing body must ensure that a pupil’s educational
record is made available for parents to see within 15 school days of receipt of the parent’s
written request. If a parent makes a written request for a copy of the record this must also be
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provided within 15 school days. Governing bodies can charge a fee for the copy. If they do,
the fee must not be more than the cost of supply.
The Regulations describe the material that is exempt from disclosure to parents. This relates
to information that the pupil couldn’t lawfully be given under the Data Protection Act 1998. It
also relates to information which s/he wouldn’t have right of access to under that Act, or by
virtue of any order made under section 30(2) or section 38(1) of the Act. This includes material
which may cause serious harm to the physical or mental health or condition of the pupil or
someone else. A school may not fulfil a parent’s request for these records if there is a court
order in place which limits a parent’s exercise of parental responsibility. This affects the
parent’s entitlement to receive such information.
The ICO can provide further advice.
3. Transferring records to a pupil’s new school
Headteachers at maintained schools, including maintained special schools, must ensure the
statutory requirements for the transfer of records between schools are fulfilled, including the
completion of the common transfer file (CTF). This is noted in the Education (Pupil Information)
(England) Regulations 2005, SI 2005/1437.
If a pupil moves to another school in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, the pupil’s
CTF and educational record must be passed to the new school. Academies are not subject to
these regulations however they are expected to adhere to the following protocols, as a matter
of good practice.
The means of transfer to a school outside England must be in line with the arrangements for
transfer between schools in England. Information must be transferred within 15 school days
of any request from the pupil’s new school.
The pupil’s CTF should be sent to the new school either:
 through the school to school (s2s) secure file transfer system
 over a secure network that can only be accessed by the LA, the governing body or a
teacher at any school within that LA
If either school can’t send or receive information in this way, LAs may provide the file. However
there must be agreed and secure local arrangements in place.
If the new school is unknown, the Department for Education recommends that the school
should still complete the CTF and load it onto s2s. If you don’t receive CTFs for a new pupil
you can ask your LA to search for the files on s2s.
You can refer to the ‘School to school guides’ for details on:



what information CTF files should contain
handling records for pupils where their destination is not known
sending CTFs between schools
Schedule 2 to the Regulations explains more about the content of CTFs.
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