2025 optional key stage 1 tests guidance
Updated 2 December 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/optional-key-stage-1-tests-guidance/2025-optional-key-stage-1-tests-guidance
1. Summary
1.1 About this guidance
This guidance sets out information about how schools can access and use the optional end of key stage 1 (KS1) national curriculum tests for the academic year 2024 to 2025. While the tests are completely optional, this guidance provides information about how schools can use the tests, including when they will be available and how to get the most out of them. This guidance is produced by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE), and is relevant until the end of the academic year 2024 to 2025.
1.2 Who is this guidance for?
This guidance is for:
- all staff who would like to use the optional KS1 tests
- headteachers and senior leadership teams
1.3 Legal status
The end of KS1 national curriculum assessments are now non-statutory and this guidance is for information only.
2. Changes for 2024 to 2025
2.1 Assessments at the end of KS1
End of KS1 national curriculum tests and teacher assessments have been non-statutory since the academic year 2023 to 2024. The statutory reception baseline assessment (RBA) has replaced the end of KS1 assessments as the baseline for cohort level primary school progress measures.
STA continues to develop and supply guidance and materials for the optional end of KS1 tests. This includes the optional test papers in English reading, English grammar, punctuation and spelling, and mathematics. We will also continue to make the end of KS1 teacher assessment frameworks available for optional use.
The aim of the optional assessments is to give schools access to test papers to support in the measurement of pupil achievement and to help identify where their pupils need additional support as they transition into key stage 2 (KS2). The tests can also be used to inform teacher assessment judgements using the optional teacher assessment frameworks.
The government encourages schools to administer the optional tests and teacher assessments, but there is no requirement to use these, or report results to parents or local authorities, and they will not be used for school accountability purposes. STA will not investigate any allegations of maladministration relating to the use of optional end of KS1 tests. Schools who do not use the optional tests and teacher assessments do not have to report this to STA.
2.2 Optional KS1 test papers
From the academic year 2024 to 2025, STA will no longer print and distribute standard versions of the optional KS1 test papers to schools in England. All schools will be able to access and download standard versions of the optional KS1 test papers from the Primary Assessment Gateway (PAG) from Thursday 1 May.
There will no longer be a requirement for schools to decline optional KS1 test papers.
Schools will still be able to order hard copies of the modified test papers. Where required, schools should order these on the PAG by Friday 15 November. We will distribute them to schools in spring 2025.
3. Important dates
These dates are subject to change. If any changes are needed due to circumstances beyond STA’s control, schools will be informed at the appropriate time, via the assessment update and on GOV.UK.
3.1 Important dates for 2024
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| October | Optional KS1 tests access arrangements guidance published and Optional KS1 teacher assessment guidance published |
| Monday 14 October to Friday 15 November | Form available on the PAG for all schools to order modified versions of the optional tests |
3.2 Important dates for 2025
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| March | Optional KS1 test administration guidance published |
| Monday 24 March to Friday 28 March | Schools receive optional KS1 modified test materials |
| Throughout May | Recommended optional KS1 test administration window |
| Thursday 1 May | Optional KS1 test materials and mark schemes available to download from the PAG (see section 4.4) |
| Thursday 15 May | Raw score to scaled score conversion tables and compensatory marks for spelling available to download from the PAG |
| Monday 2 June | Optional KS1 test materials and raw score to scaled score conversion tables available on GOV.UK |
4. Optional national curriculum tests
4.1 Overview of tests
The optional KS1 tests are designed to assess pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the KS1 programmes of study as set out in the KS1 test frameworks. Schools can choose to use these to support in the measurement of pupil attainment.
The optional KS1 tests consist of:
- English reading Paper 1: combined reading prompt and answer booklet
- English reading Paper 2: reading booklet and reading answer booklet
- mathematics Paper 1: arithmetic
- mathematics Paper 2: reasoning
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 1: spelling
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 2: questions
The optional KS1 tests are not designed to be strictly timed. We recommend that teachers use their discretion to decide if pupils need a rest break during any of the tests or whether, if appropriate, to stop a test early.
English reading test
There are 2 English reading papers. Both papers contain a selection of texts that are designed to increase in difficulty. They include a mixture of text types.
Paper 1 consists of a combined reading prompt and answer booklet. The test takes approximately 30 minutes.
Paper 2 consists of an answer booklet and a separate reading booklet. It contains more challenging texts than Paper 1. The test takes approximately 40 minutes.
Mathematics test
The mathematics test comprises 2 components, presented to pupils as 2 test papers.
Paper 1: arithmetic consists of a single test paper and takes approximately 20 minutes.
Paper 2: reasoning consists of a single test paper and takes approximately 35 minutes. The paper includes a practice question and 5 aural questions. After the aural questions, the time allowed for the remainder of the paper should be approximately 30 minutes.
English grammar, punctuation and spelling test
The English grammar, punctuation and spelling test includes 2 papers.
Paper 1: spelling consists of a test transcript to be read by the test administrator and an answer booklet for pupils to write 20 spellings. The test paper takes approximately 15 minutes.
Paper 2: a combined question and answer booklet focusing on pupils’ knowledge of grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. The test paper takes approximately 20 minutes.
4.2 Past papers
Past papers are available to use alongside, or help teachers prepare for, the optional tests. These include past KS1 standard and modified large print versions of the national curriculum tests, mark schemes and test administration instructions.
Past versions of the braille papers are available on request by contacting the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or emailing modifiedtestshelpline@pia.co.uk.
4.3 Test frameworks
Test frameworks are available for each test. Although written for test developers, these may also be of interest to schools.
Teachers should not use the test frameworks to guide teaching and learning. They do not provide information on how schools should teach the national curriculum.
STA are continuing to use the test frameworks to develop the optional tests.
4.4 Ordering and downloading test materials
All schools can order modified versions of the optional KS1 tests on the PAG from Monday 14 October to Friday 15 November.
All schools will be able to access and download standard versions of the optional KS1 test papers and mark schemes from the ‘Download KS1 test materials’ form, which can be found in the ‘Available activity’ section of the PAG from Thursday 1 May.
4.5 Test materials
Standard versions of the test materials are A4 (297mm x 210mm) with multi-tonal diagrams and illustrations. Standard materials use an STA developed font called ‘Key Stage 1’ at 15pt. STA also develops modified versions of the tests, which are primarily designed for pupils with significant visual impairments, although they may be suitable for pupils with other needs. The modified large print papers use ‘Arial Bold’ at 18pt, with ‘Arial Bold’ at 24pt used for emphasis (replacing use of bold in standard materials). Modified papers may be appropriate even where a pupil may not necessarily have an identified special educational need or disability.
The modified tests available are:
- modified large print versions, which are A4 but with more white space present than in the standard versions – some diagrams are substituted for a high contrast design or require the use of physical models
- braille versions, available in uncontracted (Grade 1) Unified English Braille (UEB) only, which are A4 – diagrams are produced in tactile formats or as physical models, and a larger booklet (297mm x 275mm) is produced for the English reading prompt and answer booklet
All schools can order modified versions of the tests on the PAG until Friday 15 November.
Schools can contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or email modifiedtestshelpline@pia.co.uk to:
- make late orders for modified materials after Friday 15 November until Friday 2 May (for example where a pupil arrives in school after this date or if a pupil’s needs change)
- ask for further advice about which modified materials may be suitable
- request hard copies of the braille tests from previous years
4.6 Delivery of modified test materials
Schools will receive optional modified test materials in the week beginning Monday 24 March.
If modified test materials have not arrived by Friday 28 March, or if they arrive unsealed, damaged or if anything is missing from the delivery, schools should contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013.
Delivery locations
In the first instance, modified test materials will be delivered to school addresses taken from Get Information about Schools (GIAS). Schools who order modified test materials must ensure their details are up to date and sign in to GIAS via DfE Sign-in to make changes.
Where schools operate across multiple sites, the headteacher should transport test materials between them if this is practical. However, some schools have very dispersed sites and others may move to a temporary site part way through the academic year. If you would like to discuss alternative delivery arrangements, contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013.
Additional test materials
STA will check for changes to modified test orders up to Friday 2 May and will deliver to schools where required.
Schools can download modified large print versions from the PAG from Thursday 1 May. Schools requiring additional braille materials should contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013.
4.7 Security of test materials
Schools may choose to administer the optional KS1 tests under test conditions. To help maintain the integrity of the tests for those doing so, we ask that all schools treat all test materials as confidential from when they are received or downloaded until Monday 2 June, and follow the guidance on keeping materials secure in the test administration guidance.
5. Test participation
5.1 Participating pupils
There are no requirements for how schools use the optional KS1 tests, or which pupils take them. The tests have been designed for pupils in year 2 who:
- will have reached the age of 7 by the end of the academic year 2024 to 2025
- have completed the relevant KS1 programme of study
- will be moving on to KS2 at the end of the academic year 2024 to 2025
The optional tests have not been designed for pupils who are working at the pre-key stage 1 standards or would be assessed using the engagement model.
5.2 Access arrangements
The optional KS1 tests are intended to assess pupils’ abilities in a fair and comparable way. They are designed so that most pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can participate using the standard versions. However, a small number of pupils may need additional arrangements.
Access arrangements are adjustments that schools can make to support specific pupils. If the school chooses to administer the tests under test conditions, the support provided should be primarily based on normal classroom practice.
6. Test administration
6.1 Administering the tests
The optional tests are intended to support classroom practice, and there are no requirements for how these should be administered. However, to maximise the value of the tests and administer them in line with previous years, schools can follow the test administration guidance, which will be published in March. STA will also provide test administration instructions alongside the optional KS1 tests.
The tests are designed to be taken at the end of the KS1 programme of study. It is suggested that schools administer the tests during May, to help inform the support that can be given to pupils on their transition to KS2 ahead of time.
6.2 Marking the tests
The optional KS1 tests are marked by schools using mark schemes that will be available on the PAG from Thursday 1 May. We recommend that tests are marked by a member of staff familiar with the pupil, as marking requires professional judgement about which responses are correct.
6.3 Using test results
The purpose of the optional tests is to support the evaluation of pupil achievement and help schools to understand where pupils need additional help as they transition into KS2.
Raw score to scaled score conversion tables and compensatory marks for spelling will be available for schools to download from the PAG on Thursday 15 May. They will also be published on GOV.UK on Monday 2 June. Teachers can use these to convert pupils’ raw scores into scaled scores to see whether each pupil has met the expected standard in the tests. The use of scaled scores enables accurate comparisons of pupil performance over time.
Schools are not required to report results to parents or local authorities, and they will not be used for school accountability purposes.
7. Teacher assessment
All teacher assessment is now non-statutory at the end of KS1. Schools are encouraged to continue to use the end of KS1 teacher assessment framework to support classroom practice. The optional KS1 teacher assessment guidance will support schools with the delivery of non-statutory teacher assessment.
8. Reporting to parents
8.1 Annual reports
Headteachers of maintained schools, including maintained special schools, must prepare annual reports for every pupil’s parents. Details of this are outlined in section 7 of the Phonics screening check assessment and reporting arrangements.
Schools are encouraged to provide additional information to parents at the end of KS1, as their child transitions into KS2. Schools may wish to include results of the optional tests and teacher assessments in their annual reports to parents, as part of the information on the pupil’s achievements and general progress. Reporting these outcomes will aid parents in understanding where they may be able to support their child.
Academies’ requirements are set out in their funding agreements.
Further information relating to data handling can be found in section 8 of the Phonics screening check assessment and reporting arrangements.
9. Further information
9.1 Useful websites and links
- Primary Assessment Gateway
www.primaryassessmentgateway.education.gov.uk
- Get Information about Schools
www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk
Optional key stage 1 tests
Collection available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum-assessments-key-stage-1-tests, including:
- Optional KS1 tests: test administration guidance
- Optional KS1 tests: access arrangements guidance
National curriculum tests: past papers
Collection available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum-assessments-practice-materials, including:
- past papers and mark schemes
- scaled score conversion tables
9.2 General enquiries
For general enquiries about the assessment and reporting arrangements at KS1, contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or email assessments@education.gov.uk.
9.3 Message us
For enquiries relating to KS1 access arrangements to meet a pupil’s specific needs, schools can use the ‘Message us – access arrangements’ form which can be found on the PAG.
9.4 Modified tests
Schools can discuss the suitability of, and order, braille and modified large print versions of the optional KS1 tests by contacting the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or emailing modifiedtestshelpline@pia.co.uk.