Optional key stage 1 tests: access arrangements
Guidance for schools about access arrangements available for pupils participating in the optional key stage 1 (KS1) national curriculum tests in 2025.
Documents
Details
We will update this guidance in October 2025 for the academic year 2025 to 2026.
Some pupils with specific needs may need additional arrangements so they can take part in the optional KS1 tests.
Types of support include:
- additional time to complete the tests
- adaptations of test papers
- compensatory marks for spelling
- the use of scribes, word processors or other technical or electronic aids
- making a transcript
- written or oral translations
- readers
- the use of prompts and rest breaks
- accessibility objects in the mathematics test
- highlighter pens
- administering the tests at an alternative location
Schools must consider whether any of their pupils will need access arrangements before they administer the tests.
Updates to this page
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The 2025 key stage 1 raw score to scaled score conversion tables and compensatory marks for spelling will be available to download from the Primary Assessment Gateway 2 weeks earlier - they will now be available from Thursday 1 May.
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Updated for the academic year 2024 to 2025.
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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.
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Updated guidance for the 2022-23 test cycle.
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Uploaded the 2022 Key stage 1 tests: access arrangements.
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Updated for the 2020 test cycle.
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Updated guidance for the 2019 test cycle.
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First published.