This page provides information about keeping test materials secure and examples of good practice to help you achieve the highest possible standard of security for the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests.

Maintaining the security of test materials is important. It ensures the confidentiality of the tests is maintained and that no child has an unfair advantage over another.

The 2013 Key Stage 2 Assessment and reporting arrangements contains useful information about test security, in particular section 6.4 Receiving test materials, section 6.5 Storage of test materials and section 9 Administering the National Curriculum tests.

The 2013 Test administrators' guide includes detailed guidance about receiving test materials, reporting delivery errors and storing materials before, during and after the tests. This will be sent to schools during the week commencing 15 April.

You can download both these documents from the Key dates and resources page.

These steps are suggested to keep the materials secure:

  • Avoid storing papers in a room where IT equipment is also stored as this equipment is often targeted during burglaries.
  • Use a high quality lock on the storage room door (for example a five-lever lock).
  • Limit access to the storage room wherever possible and control access to the keys. STA recommends that the key to the cupboard or safe is held by someone who is not involved in the actual administration of the tests, and that a register is used to sign the keys in and out.
  • Keep the keys in a secure place.
  • Make sure there is a reporting procedure in the event of a problem, such as lost or stolen keys. All spare keys should be clearly numbered and kept secure.
  • Install a chart on the door of the storage room to record access and checks. The headteacher should carry out at least two spot-checks before and during the test period.
  • Report any incident where you suspect that there might have been a breach of security of the test materials immediately to the National Curriculum assessments helpline.

Schools used as a polling station during the test period

If your school is going to be used as a polling station during the test period, you should ensure that the test materials are secure and kept away from the areas used for the polling station and their staff. Check the test materials before and after the opening and closing of the polling station to ensure the boxes have not been tampered with.

Help with school security

Further help and advice about security in schools is available from your local policing teams. Visit the Police website for further details.

Contact details

National Curriculum assessments helpline
Telephone: 0300 303 3013
Email: assessments@education.gov.uk