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National curriculum assessments: optional key stage 1 tests

Guidance for headteachers, teachers and test administrators involved in administering the optional national curriculum tests at the end of key stage 1 (KS1).

Updates to this page

From:
Standards and Testing Agency
Published:
12 September 2016
Last updated:
29 September 2025
Show all updates

  1. Updated with information for the academic year 2025 to 2026 onwards

  2. Updated links to the test administration guidance for the optional end of key stage 1 tests in 2024.

  3. Updated guidance for the academic year 2023 to 2024, including information to clarify arrangements now that end of key stage 1 assessments are no longer statutory.

  4. Updated to reflect that key stage 1 assessments are now optional.

  5. Added information about changes to key stage 1 assessments from the 2023/2024 test cycle

  6. Banner removed from page - collection has been updated to include: 2023 assessment and reporting arrangements; Primary assessments: future dates; 2022 scaled scores at KS1.

  7. 2017 scaled score guidance page added.

  8. Addition of 2017 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA) and planner.

  9. First published.

Following the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report and the associated government response in November 2025, future assessment arrangements are under review in line with the relevant recommendations. Assessment arrangements for the academic year 2026 to 2027 will remain unchanged.

National curriculum tests at the end of KS1 are optional and available in: 

  • English grammar, punctuation and spelling 
  • English reading 
  • mathematics 

They are developed to the same specifications as previous KS1 test papers, to support schools in the measurement of pupil achievement and to help identify where their pupils need additional support as they transition into key stage 2. The tests may also provide helpful information when reporting to parents, although there is no requirement for schools to do so.  

We recommend that schools administer the tests in May. Schools can: 

  • order hard copies of modified versions of the tests from the National Curriculum Assessments Portal (NCA Portal) between October and November, for delivery in April 
  • access standard and modified large print versions of the test papers and mark schemes securely online, on the NCA Portal, throughout May 
  • access materials in the GOV.UK collection of past test materials from June onwards, after the recommended administration period, when they are publicly available  

Schools can use the information on this page to check important dates for the optional KS1 tests and find guidance on administering them, including details on the format, recommended equipment and assistance for each test.

While the end of KS1 tests are optional, the following remain statutory:

Optional end of KS1 tests guidance

Access arrangements

Test administration

Information for parents

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