Key changes to Primary Assessment
This document is intended to highlight some of the key changes in primary assessments for the coming academic year.
The DfE has announced that all existing statutory key stage 2 (KS2) assessments will take place in 2026, following their usual timetable. This includes the:
- optional key stage 1 (KS1) tests. It is recommended that the optional KS1 tests are administered during May 2026.
- end of KS2 assessments (including tests and teacher assessment)
- reception baseline assessment
- phonics screening check
- year 4 multiplication tables check
- statutory trialling
2026 deadlines:
- Key stage 2: 26 June 2026
- Optional Key stage 1: 26 June 2026
- Phonics Check (Yr 1 and 2): 26 June 2026
- EYFSP: 26 June 2026
- Key Stage and CTF transfer timetable 2025 primary and special (pdf format, 114Kb)
- 2025 data collection flow chart (pdf format, 250Kb)
Complete the Headteacher verification will be via an online form - Head verification form 2026.
The deadline for the return of the Headteacher verification form is also 26 June 2026.
Reminder: It is a requirement that this form is authorised and signed off by the Headteacher.
This form is separate from the Headteacher Declaration Form that is submitted via the National Curriculum Assessments Portal (NCA Portal), both forms need completing.
Returning teacher assessment submissions to the LA via S2S
Read the S2S guidance notes (docx format, 2Mb) on how to submit teacher assessments for EYFSP, Phonics and Key Stage 1 to the LA.
EYFSP
Key Stage 1 (optional) and Key Stage 2 teacher assessment performance categories
Key stage 1 (optional) and Phonics
- Phonics TA Codes (pdf format, 66Kb)
- Key Stage 1 TA codes (pdf format, 78Kb)
- Pre Key Stage 1 standards pupils working below the national curriculum assessment standard
Key Stage 2
- Key Stage 2: submitting teacher assessment data guidance for 2026
- Key Stage 2 TA codes (pdf format, 96Kb)
- Key Stage 2 Test codes (pdf format, 89Kb)
- 2021 onwards Pre-key stage 2 - pupils working below the national curriculum assessment standard (publishing.service.gov.uk)
- The Primary Assessment Gateway has been replaced by the National Curriculum Assessments Portal (NCA Portal).
Assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA)
- The DfE publishes this guidance and covers assessment and reporting requirements for EYFSP, Phonics, Key Stage 1 (optional) and Key Stage 2 for the 2025-26 academic year. It also includes information on how to prepare for and administer national curriculum tests, teacher assessments and the requirements for reporting results to parents.
- Early years foundation stage profile handbook
- 2026 assessment and reporting arrangements (phonics screening check)
- 2026 key stage 2 assessment and reporting arrangements
KS4 and 5 results forms
2026 KS4 results - Thursday 20 August
To ensure we have a full picture as soon as possible, we are asking for your KS4 results by 12 noon on Thursday, 20 August. Please complete the online form: https://forms.office.com/e/cJY67DiVRt
2026 Post-16 results – Thursday 13 August
To ensure we have as full a picture as soon as possible, we are asking for your Post-16 results by 12 noon on Thursday, 13 August. Please complete the online form: https://forms.office.com/e/2RK0cKpRYP
DfE guidance
Returning the School Census via COLLECT:
Links
School to School (s2s): DfE’s secure data transfer system
- School to School log in page is via the DfE sign-in webpage
- Handbook for s2s for schools and FAQs