What are the Optional Key Stage 1 tests?
Since 1 September 2023, it’s no longer statutory for teachers to administer tests at the end of Key Stage 1. The reception baseline assessment (RBA) was designed to replace this.
However, if teachers want to assess how well pupils are performing at the end of KS1 then this test can be administered during May 2024.
These tests are optional because: “Following the 2017 consultation on primary assessment, we announced in July 2022 that end of KS1 assessments will no longer be statutory from the academic year 2023 to 2024 onwards. This took effect from 1 September 2023.”
The DfE confirms that: “The reception baseline assessment (RBA) will replace the end of KS1 assessments as the baseline for cohort level primary progress measures.”
Here are the end of KS1 tests that school’s can administer if they choose (although, it will still be necessary to do the RBA, phonics screening check, and EYFS alongside these):
- Teacher assessment judgements in English reading, English writing, mathematics and science
- Tests in English reading and mathematics (the English grammar, punctuation and spelling test will also remain optional)
- Where relevant, using the pre-key stage standards or engagement model
For more information: National curriculum assessments: optional key stage 1 tests
When are the Optional Key Stage 1 tests?
Optional key stage 1 (KS1) tests can be administered to reception classes in primary schools during May 2024.
ReadingWise and Primary School (KS1 - KS2) Assessments 2023 - 2024: Our Resources
In 2018 as part of a government-funded study, the impact of ReadingWise Zip was explored in 17 schools across year 1. The impact was promising as the reading gap between chronological age and reading age closed in a short space of time.
ReadingWise Zip is extremely easy to deliver and in effect 'fills in the gaps' in learners' phonics knowledge as the programme understands each child's strengths and weaknesses and therefore focuses on the areas that need more work. ReadingWise Zip is not a full phonics programme but a supplementary resource that can support and reinforce your phonics programme.
To trial ReadingWise Zip please arrange a demo through the link below and we look forward to discussing your needs.
Find out everything you need to know about ReadingWise Zip and other ReadingWise modules for your primary school with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
Take a look at our other modules that would benefit pupils at primary school. Over 100,000 pupils in UK schools have completed a ReadingWise programme!
ReadingWise produces massive improvements in reading fluency, reading skills, and literacy in a short timescale. A Department for Education (DfE) RCT study found ReadingWise increased reading ages by 9.5 months in 1 term and ReadingWise pupils improved twice as fast compared to the control group.
