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Guidance

Key stage 2 tests: special consideration guidance

Guidance for schools whose pupils were affected by extremely distressing circumstances during or before the key stage 2 tests.

Updates to this page

From:
Standards and Testing Agency
Published:
19 March 2018
Last updated:
2 July 2026
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  1. Updated the date on which schools will receive their key stage 2 results, from 7 July to 16 July. For more information, please refer to the Department for Education's letter sent to schools which confirms this change to the timetable: https://news.service.education.gov.uk/ph75/send/uq-5k4

  2. Guidance updated for the academic year 2025 to 2026, including updates to reflect the new process for special consideration applications to be submitted on to the National Curriculum Assessments Portal (NCA Portal).

  3. Updated for the academic year 2024 to 2025

  4. Updated guidance for the key stage 2 tests in 2024.

  5. Updated for the 2023 test cycle.

  6. Updated for the 2022 test cycle.

  7. Updated for the 2020 test cycle.

  8. Updated for the 2018/19 academic year.

  9. First published.

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2026 key stage 2 tests: special consideration guidance

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We will update this guidance in March 2027 for the academic year 2026 to 2027.

This guidance explains how schools can apply for special consideration for pupils whose performance is affected by extremely distressing circumstances or incidents during or before the key stage 2 tests.

Where the Standards and Testing Agency approves an application for special consideration, the Department for Education (DfE) will make an adjustment to the school’s performance measures, but the pupil’s test result is not amended on their individual records.

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