The nature and number of primary school assessments tend to divide opinion.
While there is clearly a need to make sure a pupil’s progress is charted and those who need it receive the necessary support, there is a counterargument that says young children do not need to be tested to the degree they currently are.
Perhaps aware of these concerns, the Department for Education made key stage 1 Sats optional a few years ago - although this means primary-aged children still sit five mandatory assessments, ranging in focus and importance.
What are the different primary assessments?
There are five main compulsory assessments that primary pupils will have to complete. There are also some additional non-compulsory tests.
Find an outline of each test below plus links to additional information:
Reception Baseline Assessment
The Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) was launched in 2021 and is designed to be a replacement for the now-optional KS1 Sats.
It involves a short one-to-one assessment of a pupil’s language, communication and literacy, and maths level. It is required to be taken by four- and five-year-olds within six weeks of the start of Reception.
Find out more: Reception Baseline Assessment
Early years foundation stage profile
The early years foundation stage profile is an assessment carried out in the final term of the year in which a pupil reaches the age of five. It is another assessment designed to check on the pupils’ development and requires no preparation on their part.
Phonics screening check
Towards the end of Year 1, all pupils are required to take the phonics screening check, which involves pupils reading a list of 40 words aloud to their teacher. It is in place to ensure that no pupil falls behind in their reading, and can be given any necessary support required.
Find out more: Phonics screening check
KS1 Sats (optional)
Unlike other assessments, KS1 Sats are optional, having been made so in 2023. The decision on whether to run these tests is taken by the school.
The subjects are English reading, English spelling, punctuation and grammar, and maths. Each subject has two papers for pupils to complete. Schools are not required to share the results of these tests publicly.
Find out more: KS1 Sats
Multiplication tables check
The multiplication tables check (MTC) is a computer-based test used to determine the pupils who can fluently recall their times tables. It consists of 25 questions and happens in the first two weeks of June.
Find out more: Multiplication tables check
KS2 Sats
KS2 Sats are the most significant test a primary-aged pupil will sit. They happen at the end of Year 6 when pupils turn 11 and are structured very similarly to KS1 Sats with different papers across the three core subjects.
Find out more: Sats week 2025 / Sats results 2025
11-plus examination (optional)
The 11-plus examination was introduced in 1944 for all pupils at the end of Year 6. It was the deciding factor in whether a pupil went to grammar school or secondary modern (now comprehensive).
The test is now optional for those pupils who would like to go to grammar school and will be conducted alongside KS2 Sats.
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