In this section you will find information about the 2012 Key Stage 2 English writing National Curriculum tests. This includes specific guidance designed to help schools administer and, where applicable, mark the tests.
Following Lord Bew’s independent review of Key Stage 2 testing, assessment and accountability, the interim arrangements for assessment of English writing in 2012 will be similar to the approach at the end of Key Stage 1. A child’s English writing result will be a teacher assessment judgement of their work across Year 6. Teacher assessment will be informed by and take account of (but not be limited by) the child’s result on a standard test.
It is a statutory requirement for schools to administer a level 3-5 English writing test. Schools were offered a choice of administering either:
- an internally marked test, between February and the end of June; or
- an externally marked test, on Tuesday 15 May.
The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) has selected and contacted a sample of schools that will be required to administer the externally marked test on Tuesday 15 May. This sample will be used to monitor national standards, but results will not be used for school accountability. (Schools selected as part of the national sample were notified in October 2011.)
Schools can also administer a level 6 English writing test, however STA is not providing a marking service for this test.
Contact details
National Curriculum assessments helpline
Telephone: 0300 303 3013
Email: assessments@education.gov.uk
