National curriculum tests overview

This national curriculum assessment overview is where you can find information for your school about the national curriculum tests for key stage 1 and key stage 2. You will find essential information and guidance for all aspects of the test cycle. QCA also sends timely tests update emails that you can also view in this section of the website.

For a visual overview of the 2009 national curriculum test cycle please view the key stage 2 national curriculum tests wall chart planner.

Key stage 3 national curriculum tests

The key stage 3 national curriculum tests in English, mathematics and science are no longer statutory. The tests are freely available for all maintained and independent schools for 2009 if ordered on the Test orders website by 12 December. Schools that choose to administer the tests in 2009 should still consider the full range of access arrangements available to enable all pupils to access the tests and to ensure that their test results accurately reflect their abilities. Decisions about access arrangements need to be made within the school and there is no need to submit access arrangement forms for approval to your local authority or to QCA.

• Go to Test orders website

The information provided about access arrangements for key stage 3 on the Test forms website is offered as guidance and good practice for ensuring equal access to the end of key stage 3 tests.

• Go to Test forms website

Schools can choose to administer one or more of the 2009 key stage 3 national curriculum tests in English, mathematics and science. As in previous years, pupils need to have covered the full programme of study in a subject in order to fully access a test, and this includes studying one of the set Shakespeare plays for the English test. Pupils still also need to complete all subject papers at the relevant tier in order to be awarded a national curriculum test level.

If you would like to use the 2009 national curriculum key stage 3 tests, please place an order by 12 December 2008 on the 2009 Tests orders website at www.qca.org.uk/testorders. Please ensure you only order test materials if you intend to use them to help us to avoid any unnecessary waste. The test materials will be delivered to schools in April 2009.