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 2025, 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 2025.
  • end of KS2 assessments (including tests and teacher assessment)
  • reception baseline assessment
  • phonics screening check
  • year 4 multiplication tables check
  • statutory trialling

 2025 deadlines:

This year, completion of the Headteacher verification will be via an online form - Head verification form 2025

The deadline for the return of the Headteacher verification form is also 27 June 2025.

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 Primary Assessment Gateway.  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.

Key Stage 1 (optional) and Key Stage 2 teacher assessment performance categories

EYFSP

Key stage 1 (optional) and Phonics

Key Stage 2

Assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA)

KS4 and 5 results forms

  • KS4 – Thursday 21 August 2025
  • KS5 – Thursday 14 August 2025

DfE guidance

Returning the School Census via COLLECT:

Links

School to School (s2s): DfE’s secure data transfer system