Guidance

Key stage 2: science sampling tests

Information for headteachers, teachers and parents of pupils selected to participate in the KS2 science tests in 2020.

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Science sampling in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19. The last year in which science sampling took place was 2018. Ministers have since decided not to undertake any further science sampling at key stage 2 (KS2).

However, schools should still make teacher assessment (TA) judgements and submit TA data for science at the end of KS2.

Documents

Details

There will be no science sampling tests in the academic year 2021/22. We will confirm arrangements for 2022/23 in due course.

To understand more about the format of the tests, view the materials used for the 2016 science sample tests.

You can also access information on the outcomes of the 2018 science tests.

Updates to this page

Published 5 September 2013
Last updated 2 March 2020 + show all updates
  1. This page has been updated for the 2020 tests.

  2. Added a note to highlight that the next science sampling tests will take place in 2020, as the 2018 tests have now been completed. Added NFER privacy notice for the 2018 key stage 2 science sampling tests.

  3. List of selected schools added.

  4. Information for parents document added, with links to 2016 science sampling test materials.

  5. This page has been updated for the 2018 tests.

  6. Updated for 2016

  7. First published.

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