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Guidance

Key stage 1 assessments data collection: guide to submitting data

How local authorities should collect key stage 1 (KS1) assessments data from all state-funded schools, including academies and free schools.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
25 March 2014
Last updated:
22 May 2023
Show all updates

  1. Added a link to the 2023 guide to key stage 1 assessments data collection to 'Collection documents'.

  2. Added important dates for 2023. Updated links to GOV.UK guidance for the 2023 data return.

  3. Added link to data collection guide for 2022 in 'Collection documents' section.

  4. Added important dates and documents for the 2022 data collection.

  5. Added information about the cancellation of the 2021 national curriculum assessments and updated the 'important dates' section.

  6. Updated the link to KS1 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA), so it links to the 2020 guidance. Updated the 'important dates' section to show dates for 2020.

  7. Added link to 'Key stage 1 assessments data collection 2019: guide'.

  8. Updated 'Submit your data section' and DfE Sign-in help links.

  9. Added dates and guidance for the KS1 assessments data collection 2019.

  10. Updated COLLECT link from secure access to DfE sign in.

  11. Added a link to the Key stage 1 assessments data collection 2018 guide.

  12. Updated deadlines for 2018 and added a technical specification for 2018 data collection.

  13. Added link to 'Key stage 1 assessments data collection 2017: guide'.

  14. Updated deadlines for 2017 and added a technical specification for 2017 data collection.

  15. Added link to 'Key stage 1 data return 2016: COLLECT guide'.

  16. Updated to include a link to the KS1 assessments collection 2016 guide for local authorities.

  17. Updated to explain what data we include in the ‘Phonics screening check and key stage 1 assessment’ statistical first release and on the RAISEonline website.

  18. Updated details of what information local authorities need to submit for the KS1 assessments data collection.

  19. Added link to 'KS1 assessments data collection 2016: technical specification'.

  20. Added 'KS1 return 2015: COLLECT guide'.

  21. Added 'Key stage 1 assessments collection 2015: guide'.

  22. Corrected 'deadline for returns' date.

  23. Updated deadlines for 2015 and added a technical specification for 2015 data collection.

  24. Added links to the guide to the collection, COLLECT guide and input sheet.

  25. First published.

This guidance was withdrawn on

KS1 national curriculum assessments are now optional and the Department for Education is no longer collecting this data. More information on optional key stage 1 tests is available.

Applies to England

The key stage 1 (KS1) assessments data collection is a statutory data collection that takes place each June. You must complete statutory data collections by law unless there’s a good reason not to.

Local authorities must submit KS1 assessments for all state-funded schools, including academies and free schools.

You should submit teacher assessment information for all pupils at the end of KS1 for:

  • reading
  • writing
  • mathematics
  • science

You can find guidance on how to collect this information in section 9 of the KS1 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA).

KS1 covers years 1 and 2.

Important dates

Dates for the 2023 return:

  • collection opens: 12 June 2023
  • deadline for submitting data: 21 July 2023

Submit your data

You’ll need to:

  • register and log in with DfE Sign-in
  • use COLLECT to submit your data

Contact your school or local authority approver, if:

  • you want to request a DfE Sign-in username or password so you can access COLLECT
  • ‘key stage 1 assessments data’ is not on the list of collections you can see in COLLECT

Get help using DfE Sign-in

If you do not know who your approver is, use the DfE Sign-in request form.

If you’ve forgotten your password, use DfE Sign-in to reset it. You will need to click ‘Start now’ and then the ‘I’ve forgotten my password’ link.

Note that we’ll only be able to change the status of your data submission to ‘authorised’ once you’ve cleared all errors in the data in COLLECT.

Collection documents

The following documents will help you prepare for the 2023 return:

Do you need help?

Submitting data

Use the service request form if you have any questions about your data. We aim to answer your question within 5 working days.

Feedback

Use the feedback form if you have any comments about our data collection service, including COLLECT and the helpdesk service.

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