Guidance

Optional key stage 1 tests guidance

Guidance about how schools can access and use the optional end of key stage 1 (KS1) national curriculum tests.

• From: Standards and Testing Agency
• Published: 10 October 2024
• Last updated: 12 October 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 12 October 2026

     Guidance updated for the academic year 2026 to 2027.

  2. 29 September 2025

     Updated for the academic year 2025 to 2026.

  3. 10 March 2025

     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.

  4. 2 December 2024

     Added information to confirm that STA will accept late orders and check for changes to orders for KS1 modified test materials up to Friday 2 May, and deliver to schools where required.

  5. 10 October 2024

     First published.

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Optional key stage 1 tests guidance

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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.

The optional KS1 tests are designed to assess pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the KS1 programmes of study. Schools can choose to use the tests to support their own measurement of pupil attainment.