Section 2: Key changes
A summary of the main changes introduced for 2016
From 2016, KS1 national curriculum test outcomes will no longer be reported using levels. Scaled scores will be used instead.
A new set of KS1 national curriculum tests replaces the previous tests and tasks. The new tests consist of:
- English reading Paper 1: combined reading prompt and answer booklet
- English reading Paper 2: reading booklet and reading answer booklet
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 1: spelling
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 2: questions
- mathematics Paper 1: arithmetic
- mathematics Paper 2: reasoning
There is no longer a test for English writing.
Schools should no longer use the 2007 and 2009 KS1 test and task materials. A full set of sample tests and materials has been published to help teachers prepare for the 2016 KS1 national curriculum tests.
The KS1 tests do not have set days for their administration, but schools must administer the tests during May 2016.
A number of schools will be selected to administer one of the KS1 tests in April 2016 to inform the standard setting for the tests. These schools should do all the other tests in May. For any schools selected to administer one of the KS1 tests in April 2016, participation is statutory.
Following the removal of teacher assessment levels, interim teacher assessment frameworks have been provided to support teachers in making robust and accurate judgements for pupils at the end of KS1 in 2016.
The interim teacher assessment frameworks for key stage 1 are for 2015 to 2016 only. The DfE is evaluating options for future years.
Details of schools’ and local authorities’ (LA’s) responsibilities relating to the moderation of teacher assessment have now been published.
The deadline for submission of teacher assessment data to LAs is Thursday 30 June, moderation will take place from Monday 23 May.
Maintained schools, academies and free schools do not need to place a test order for the standard versions of the KS1 tests. Quantities of test materials will be sent to schools based on their autumn census data. Independent schools who want to participate in the tests will need to place a test order by Friday 27 November 2015.
Special schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), hospital schools and secure units can confirm zero test orders by Friday 27 November, where all pupils are working below the standard of the tests or pupils will not be participating in the tests. Otherwise these schools will receive test materials based on their autumn census data.