Statutory Assessments (e.g. SATs) and Entrance Exams
for Pre– and Primary School parents planning ahead
Knowing what’s ahead for your child(ren) will help you support their preparation for exams →
•
Statutory Assessments in Primary School
All students (except in Wales) at state-funded schools sit national assessments to provide a reflection on their progress, but they are not compulsory for independent schools.
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are the statutory assessments sat by all students in English schools, 2 times, during the Primary years. SATs are set at the end of:
Key Stage 1 (Year 2)
Key Stage 2 (Year 6)
Students are tested on English and Maths.
LoP (Levels of Progression) are the statutory assessments sat by all students in Northern Irish schools, 2 times, during the Primary years. LoPs are set at the end of:
Key Stage 1 (Year 4)
Key Stage 2 (Year 7)
Students are tested on Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.
SNSAs (Scottish National Standardised Assessments) are the statutory assessments sat by all students in Scottish schools, 3 times, during the Primary years. SNSAs are set at the end of:
Early Level (Primary 1)
1st Level (Primary 4)
2nd Level (Primary 7)
Students are tested on Literacy and Numeracy.
As of 2022, students in Wales no longer sit nationwide, statutory assessments. Instead, schools set their own exams to assess progress throughout the Primary and Secondary years.
Reception year children take baseline assessments in the first term so schools can identify their initial strengths and set targets for improvement. Students in Years 1–11 will be tested on literacy, numeracy, digital competence and Welsh culture.
For more information, follow this link:
https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales/assessment-arrangements/what-s-changing-in-assessment/
You’ll also want to check each school’s website for specific information on their assessment procedure and demands.
RELATED TOPICS →
•
3+ or 4+ 7+ 11+ and 13+ Entrance Exams
Students take entrance exams only if they are applying for selective schools, such as grammar or independent schools.
Entrance exams for selective schools are sorted by the age of entry, and named 3 or 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+ exams.
The ‘examination’ of the children at each age level differs, the details are explained in the tabs below.
In any case, you will ultimately need to check with each of your prospective schools as to how they administrate their entrance exams.
Find past papers for 11+ entrance exams
3+ or 4+ exams are sat by students aiming to enter selective Pre-prep schools. Assessments usually take place in the autumn term for entrance in the following September.
3+ exams are taken for Nursery entry, and 4+ exams for Reception Year entry.
Assessments vary from school to school, so in each case you will need to check with your prospective schools as to what their entrance exams comprise. Contact their Admissions staff who will be happy to share all the information you need—and do this in advance.
Here’s the applications calendar for the current year.
7+ exams are sat by Year 2 students applying for Prep School entry in Year 3. Assessments usually take place in the spring term, for entrance in the following September.
Written exams (where applicable) will test English and Maths. There may also be reasoning tests, creative tasks and/or interviews.
You will need to check with each of your prospective schools as to what their entrance exam comprises. Contact their Admissions staff who will be happy to share all the information you need—and do this in advance.
Here’s the applications calendar for the current year.
11+ exams are sat by Year 6 students applying for selective Secondary school entry in Year 7. Assessments usually take place at the beginning of Year 6.
Here’s the applications calendar for the current year.
11+ written assessments will test English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and sometimes Science. The combination of papers may vary and take place over one or two rounds.
You will need to check with each of your prospective schools as to what their entrance exam comprises. Contact their Admissions staff who will be happy to share all the information you need—and do this in advance.
Find past papers for 11+ entrance exams
13+ Common Entrance exams are sat by Year 8 students applying for selective Secondary School entry in Year 9.
Only certain schools arrange entry for Year 9, mostly boys’ schools, and it’s important to note that students would also sit pre-tests in Year 6 or 7.
13+ written assessments will test English, Maths and Science, along with Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and/or other Humanities subjects.
You will need to check with each of your prospective schools if Year 9 entry is applicable, and what their entrance exam comprises. Contact their Admissions staff who will be happy to share all the information you need—and do this in advance.
Here’s the applications calendar for the current year.
Entrance exam papers are usually provided by private companies, namely CEM, GL Assessment and ISEB.
