Changes to 2021 National Curriculum Assessments

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Changes to 2021 national curriculum assessments

Earlier today, Thursday 3 December, the Secretary of State for Education announced measures to support pupils taking exams and assessments in 2021.

We recognise the difficulties that primary schools are facing in light of the ongoing disruption caused by coronavirus (COVID-19). Therefore, we have altered our approach to the 2021 national curriculum assessments, and will focus on the most important summer assessments for schools, pupils and parents.

For 2021, we have removed:

  • all key stage 1 (KS1) tests
  • the key stage 2 (KS2) English grammar, punctuation and spelling test
  • the requirement to make and report teacher assessment judgements for science at KS1 and KS2

To further support schools, we:

  • have delayed the statutory introduction of the multiplication tables check – schools may choose to take part on an optional basis
  • have extended the timetable variation periods for phonics and KS2, to allow schools greater flexibility if pupils cannot take the tests on the scheduled dates because of coronavirus disruption
  • have removed the requirement for schools to submit applications for pupils who need additional time in KS2 tests or notifications that they used an aid (such as a scribe or word processor)

This means that the following statutory assessments will continue in 2021:

  • the phonics screening check for year 1 pupils (and year 2 pupils who have not met the expected standard previously)
  • KS2 English reading and mathematics tests
  • KS1 and KS2 teacher assessment (excluding science)
Guidance for 2021 national curriculum assessments 

We have published the following:

Statutory guidance for assessing and reporting the early years foundation stage (EYFS) profile and pupils at the end of KS1 and KS2.

Guidance for schools and local authorities involved in the administration and moderation of statutory teacher assessment in 2021:

KS2 access arrangements guidance about how schools can support pupils participating in the 2021 KS2 national curriculum tests.

KS2 timetable variations guidance about how schools can reschedule KS2 tests if pupils are absent.

Multiplication tables check technical guidance for IT and network managers at schools choosing to take part in the optional 2021 multiplication tables check.

Reminder: reception baseline assessment window for early adopter schools closing soon 

The assessment window for schools participating in the reception baseline assessment early adopter year, closes on Friday 18 December. After this date, schools will not be able to administer the assessment with their pupils.

All assessment materials must remain confidential and be kept securely for use when the assessment becomes statutory in autumn 2021.

If you are participating in the early adopter year and have any questions, please contact 0330 088 4171.