Assessment and Statutory Testing
Different forms of assessment
There are 3 main forms of assessment in schools:
- day-to-day formative assessment – to inform teaching on an ongoing basis
- in-school summative assessment – to understand pupil performance at the end of a period of teaching. At Welton we use PIRA and PUMA tests to contribute to teacher assessment summative judgments.
- statutory summative assessment – to understand pupil performance in relation to national expectations and comparisons
Statutory Assessment
Please find a link to the Statutory Primary Assessment
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates
Academic year 2025 to 2026
Reception baseline assessment
Schools must complete the reception baseline assessment for each child in the first 6 weeks after they enter reception.
Early years foundation stage profile assessment
Schools must complete the early years foundation stage profile assessment between April and June of the academic year in which children turn 5, which is usually the reception year.
Optional key stage 1 tests
It is recommended that the optional key stage 1 tests are administered during May 2026.
Key stage 2 tests
The statutory key stage 2 tests are timetabled from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May 2026.
Multiplication tables check
Schools must administer the multiplication tables check within the 2-week period from Monday 1 June 2026.
Phonics screening check
Schools must administer the phonics screening check within the 1-week period from Monday 8 June 2026.
EYFS
The statutory EYFS framework requires the EYFS profile assessment to be carried out in the final term of the year in which a child reaches age 5, and no later than 30 June in that term.
Practitioners are expected to use their professional judgement to make these assessments, based on their knowledge and understanding of what the child knows, understands, and can do.
Summative: assessment is based on a holistic view of what the child can demonstrate against each Early Learning Goals at the end of the reception year
Key stage 1 assessments
Key stage 1 tests are now optional. They may be used for informing Teacher Assessment
Teachers must make their TA judgements using the:
- TA frameworks in English reading, English writing, mathematics and science – for pupils who have completed the KS1 programmes of study and are working at the standard of national curriculum assessments
Key Stage 2 assessments
KS2 SATs 2026: What parents need to know
When are SATs in 2026?
This year's KS2 assessments take place over four days from 11 to 14 May 2026. The timetable is:
- Monday 11 May – English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Tuesday 12 May – English reading
- Wednesday 13 May – Mathematics (arithmetic and reasoning)
- Thursday 14 May – Mathematics (reasoning)
What are SATs actually for?
SATs help to measure how your child is doing at the end of primary school and make sure they get the right support as they move into secondary school. They're not a pass or fail – they're a way of understanding your child's strengths and where they might need a little extra help.
Does my child need to revise?
The assessments only cover things your child has already been taught as part of the national curriculum, so there’s no need to put them under pressure to revise intensively. Their teachers will have been preparing them throughout the year. The most helpful thing you can do is keep things calm and positive at home.
How can I support my child at home?
You don't need to be an expert. Simple things make a real difference – reading together for ten minutes a day, practising times tables on the way to school, or just asking what they've been learning. Your encouragement and reassurance matters more than any revision guide.
Why does attendance matter so much right now?
Every lesson between now and May counts. Children who attend regularly are better prepared, more confident, and more likely to do their best in their assessments. Missing school in the weeks leading up to SATs means missing teaching, practice and the support their teacher can offer.
If your child is struggling to attend, please speak to their school as soon as possible. Schools are there to help and will work with you to understand what's getting in the way – there's no pressure to manage it alone.
What if my child finds the tests difficult?
The tests are designed to stretch all children, including the most able, so some pupils will find them harder than others. That's normal and expected. One of the purposes of the assessments is to identify where children may need more support, so that their secondary school can help them from day one.
What if my child has special educational needs or a disability?
Some children may be assessed under different arrangements if these are more appropriate for them. Your child's headteacher makes the final decision about how your child participates. If you have any concerns, speak to your school in the first instance.
When will we get the results?
Schools will receive results in early July. Before the end of the summer term, your child's school will send you a report including their test results and teacher assessment judgements. Results are given as a scaled score – a score of 100 or above means your child is working at or above the expected standard for their age.
Is my child’s school well supported to prepare for this?
Yes. It is our ambition that by the end of this parliament, outcomes will reach the highest level since current assessments began – meaning around 25,000 more children will leave primary school with strong foundations. The government has provided schools with new resources and support, including a Writing Framework for teachers, reading support through English Hubs, and preparation materials through Oak National Academy.
Who should I speak to if I have concerns?
Your child's teacher or headteacher is always the best first point of contact for any questions about your child's assessments, results or support needs.
The following links will provide a short guide to the National Curriculum Assessments
Year 4 Multiplication Check https://youtu.be/GhAJMJUsAac
Key Stage 2 https://youtu.be/dIbCj1QoElE