Test Results

At the end of the Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 pupils will sit national tests and tasks (popularly called 'SATs'). An attainment target sets out the knowledge, skills and understanding which pupils of different abilities and maturities are expected to have by the end of each key stage. Attainment targets consist of eight level descriptions of increasing difficulty, plus a description for exceptional performance above level 8. Each level description describes the types and range of performance that pupils working at that level should characteristically demonstrate.

National Curriculum levels measure pupil progress in each subject. They are like rungs of a ladder: children move up through the levels year by year.

	Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7)	Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11)	Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14)
Level 8
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1

During the key stage, most children will work within this range of levels.
By the end of the key stage, most children reach the target (see below)

Key Stage One

Pupils are tested in Reading, Writing (including Handwriting), Spelling, and Maths. The tests are spread over several days in the summer term to fit around other school work. All the tests added together last less than three hours. At the age of 7, most children are expected to achieve level 2B.

Key Stage Two

Pupils are tested in Reading, Writing (including Handwriting), Spelling, Maths, Mental arithmetic, and Science. The tests are set on days in the middle of May. All the tests added together last between five and five-and-a-half hours. At the age of 11, most children are expected to achieve level 4.

Key Stage Three

Pupils are tested in English (including reading, writing, and studying a Shakespeare play), Maths, Mental Arithmetic, and Science. The tests are set on days in the middle of May. All the tests added together last between seven and eight hours. At the age of 14, most children are expected to achieve level 5. Many will be expected to achieve level 6.