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All pupils are tested throughout their education to measure their progress in each subject. The tests assist teachers in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each pupil in subjects they are learning at school.
At the end of every key stage, pupils are tested against a target set for each National Curriculum (www.nc.uk.net/home.html) subject which identifies the level of skill and knowledge that should have been achieved.
Test results are used by schools to identify where pupils need to improve so that they can ensure that their teaching methods and support levels are targeted effectively. The test results also identify the progress of each pupil as they move through their education.
Nationally, test results are used to measure the levels of achievement among young people, to determine the success of the education system and to assist in the development of incentives to encourage young people to continue from statutory schooling to further and higher education.
Testing is carried out at the following milestones:
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Age (years)
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Key Stage
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Year group
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Tests
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5-6
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1
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Year 1
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|
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6-7
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Year 2
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National tests taken in English and mathematics
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7-8
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2
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Year 3
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|
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8-9
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Year 4
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|
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9-10
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Year 5
|
|
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10-11
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Year 6
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National tests in English, mathematics and science
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11-12
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3
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Year 7
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|
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12-13
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Year 8
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|
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13-14
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Year 9
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National tests in English, mathematics and science
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14-15
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4
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Year 10
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Early GCSEs for some pupils
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15-16
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Year 11
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GCSEs, GNVQs or other national qualifications
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16-17
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N/A
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N/A
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AS levels
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17-18
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N/A
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N/A
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A2 levels
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