Exam Arrangements
Smallthorne Primary Academy
At Smallthorne Primary Academy we ensure that all statutory assessments are carried out in line with guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and the Standards and Testing Agency (STA). These assessments help teachers understand how well pupils are progressing and ensure that every child receives the support they need to succeed.
We aim to administer all assessments in a calm, supportive and fair environment so that pupils can demonstrate what they know and can do.
Further information about national assessments can be found on the Department for Education website:
https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum-assessments
Statutory Assessments in Primary School
Pupils at Smallthorne Primary Academy take part in the following national assessments:
Year 1 – Phonics Screening Check
The phonics screening check assesses pupils’ ability to decode words using phonics skills. It helps teachers identify pupils who may need additional support with early reading.
More information can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-information-for-parents
Year 4 – Multiplication Tables Check
The multiplication tables check assesses pupils’ fluency in recalling times tables up to 12 × 12.
More information can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multiplication-tables-check-information-for-parents
Year 6 – Key Stage 2 SATs
At the end of Key Stage 2, pupils take national curriculum tests (SATs) in:
- Reading
- Grammar, punctuation and spelling (SPaG)
- Mathematics
Writing is assessed by teachers based on evidence collected throughout the year.
More information about KS2 assessments can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/key-stage-2-tests
Access Arrangements
Some pupils may require additional support to access assessments. Access arrangements are adjustments made to ensure that pupils with particular needs can demonstrate their understanding fairly.
Examples of access arrangements may include:
- additional time
- rest breaks
- a reader or scribe (where permitted)
- prompts to refocus attention
- modified test papers (such as large print)
- completing tests in a smaller or quieter room
Access arrangements are only used where they reflect the normal way a pupil works in the classroom and are approved in line with STA guidance.
More information about access arrangements can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/key-stage-2-tests-access-arrangements
If parents believe their child may require additional support, they are encouraged to speak with the school in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.
Special Consideration
In exceptional circumstances, a pupil may be affected by events that could impact their performance during an assessment. Examples might include:
- illness during the test period
- a significant family event such as bereavement
- injury or other unexpected circumstances
Where appropriate, schools may apply to the Standards and Testing Agency for special consideration.
Test Administration and Security
All statutory assessments at Smallthorne Primary Academy are administered according to national guidance.
This includes:
- ensuring test materials are stored securely
- administering tests under the correct conditions
- supervising pupils appropriately
- following all STA test administration guidance
These procedures ensure that assessments are carried out fairly and consistently for all pupils.
Absence During the Test Period
If a pupil is absent during the national test period, the school will make every effort to administer the test within the permitted testing window where possible.
However, national tests must be taken during the official testing period and cannot normally be taken outside this window.
Supporting Pupils’ Wellbeing
We recognise that national assessments can feel daunting for some children. At Smallthorne Primary Academy we ensure that:
- pupils are well prepared through the curriculum
- assessments take place in a calm and supportive environment
- pupils are encouraged to try their best while maintaining a positive attitude towards learning
Our focus is always on supporting pupils to develop confidence and resilience while demonstrating their learning.
Further Information
If you have any questions about statutory assessments or exam arrangements, please contact the school office.
Further national guidance can be found here:
Department for Education – Primary assessments
https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum-assessments
Standards and Testing Agency guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/standards-and-testing-agency