How your child’s learning is assessed in primary school

Your child’s progress matters to us, and we want you to feel confident about how it is measured. This guide explains the key assessments your child will take part in from Reception through to Year 6. It outlines what each assessment involves and why it is important.

1. Reception Year (Age 4–5): Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) and Early Learning Goals (ELGs)

Reception Baseline Assessment

When your child starts Reception, the school will complete the Reception Baseline Assessment within the first six weeks.

This gives teachers a starting point: what your child knows and can do in early literacy, communication, number, and personal and social development.

The outcome is not a pass or fail. Instead, it forms part of the long-term picture of your child’s progress as they move through primary school.

Your child’s teacher will talk to you about how your child is settling in and what their next steps are.

Early Learning Goals

By the end of Reception, children are assessed against the Early Learning Goals.

These describe the level of development children are expected to reach across areas such as communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy and mathematics.

In the final term, teachers complete the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile for each child. This is based on what they know, understand and can do in the classroom each day.

The outcomes are not a test. Instead, they provide a clear picture of your child’s development at the end of their reception year.

This information is shared with you and passed on to your child’s Year 1 teacher to help support a smooth transition into Key Stage 1.

Why it matters: It helps teachers plan learning that meets your child’s needs and allows the school and the Trust to understand how children across the school are progressing.

2. Phonics Screening Check (End of Year 1)

In Year 1, your child will take the phonics screening check. This is a short, one‑to‑one activity that assesses how well they can use phonics to read words.

If your child does not meet the expected standard in Year 1, they will take the check again in Year 2. Any child who has not met the standard by the end of Year 2 will continue to receive support in Key Stage 2.

You will receive a letter or report explaining whether your child met the required standard.

Why it matters: Phonics is the foundation of reading, spelling and writing. The check helps identify children who may need extra support early on.

3. Key Stage 1 (End of Year 2, Age 6–7): Optional tests and teacher assessment

From 2025, national KS1 tests are optional for most schools.

Teachers may still use a range of evidence from classwork, assessments, and observations to judge your child’s progress in reading, writing and maths.

You will be told whether your child is working towards the expected standard, at the expected standard, or working at greater depth.

Why it matters: This stage provides a helpful checkpoint. It recognises that children develop at different rates and focuses on your child’s learning journey rather than individual test results.

4. Multiplication Tables Check (End of Year 4, Age 8–9)

All Year 4 pupils complete the statutory Multiplication Tables Check.

The check consists of 25 quick‑fire times‑table questions up to 12.

Schools administer the check during a two‑week window in June.

Why it matters: Secure times‑table knowledge supports future success in maths. The check helps teachers identify pupils who may need extra support.

5. Key Stage 2 (End of Year 6, Age 10–11): Tests and Teacher Assessment

This is the final assessment stage in primary school.

a) National Curriculum Tests (SATs)

Children take statutory tests in reading, maths and grammar, punctuation and spelling.
These are marked externally and compared nationally.
Results show whether your child has met the expected standard. Some children may achieve greater depth, meaning they can apply their learning confidently and independently.

b) Teacher Assessment

Teachers also make formal judgements based on evidence collected over time in writing, science and other subjects.

This includes classwork, discussions and practical tasks.

Why it matters: Together, these assessments help determine how ready your child is for secondary school and help teachers evaluate the impact of learning over time.

6. Ongoing assessment in school

Every REAch2 school uses ongoing assessment to support your child’s learning every day.

This includes:
• regular checks by teachers to see what your child has understood
• end‑of‑unit or termly assessments to guide next steps
• feedback and discussions that help your child improve

Why it matters: Statutory assessments provide a snapshot, but day‑to‑day assessment ensures teaching can be adapted quickly to support your child’s progress.

Understanding assessment outcomes: what you can ask

To better understand your child’s progress, you might want to ask:

• What does the expected standard mean for this year group?
• What are my child’s strengths and next steps?
• How will the school support my child if they need extra help, or challenge them if they are doing very well?
• How and when will I receive feedback?
• What is tracked over time, and how can I see my child’s progress?

Frequently asked questions

Will my child fail if they do not meet the expected standard?
No there’s no pass or fail. Assessment is used to understand your child’s starting point and support their progress.

Will assessments put pressure on my child?
Schools work hard to make assessments calm and low‑stress. The aim is to support learning. If you have concerns, your child’s teacher is always the first point of contact.

What if my child has special educational needs (SEN)?
Schools may use different assessment approaches to track progress in a meaningful way.

What if my child is working above the expected standard?
Teachers provide additional challenge through adapted tasks, deeper questioning and enrichment opportunities.

In summary

Assessment in primary school is designed to help your child learn well, not to create pressure.

Alongside the statutory assessment points, teachers assess learning continuously so they can adapt teaching and support your child effectively.

Thank you for your continued partnership. By working together, we can ensure your child has a happy, successful and fulfilling primary school experience.