The Good Level of Development is the measure that helps to demonstrate the proportion of children who are achieving expected levels in the prime areas of learning (communication and language, physical development and personal, social and emotional development) and in maths and literacy.

The phonics screening check contains 40 words divided into 2 sections of 20 words. Both sections contain a mixture of real words and pseudo-words.

Pseudo-words are words that are phonically decodable but are not actual words with an associated meaning. They are included in the check specifically to assess whether your child can decode a word using their phonics skills.

All pseudo-words in the check are accompanied by a picture of an imaginary creature. Children are taught that when a word has a creature next to it, it is a pseudo-word. This ensures that they are not trying to match the pseudo-word to a word in their vocabulary.

The check is designed to give teachers information on how your child is progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether your child needs additional support at this stage, so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.

What are End of key stage 2 tests?

If you have a child in year 6, at the end of key stage 2 (KS2) they will take national curriculum assessments in:

• English grammar, punctuation and spelling
• English reading
• mathematics

Some people refer to these tests as SATs.

The tests help measure the attainment of pupils in relation to the standards set out in the national curriculum, and help teachers and parents identify where pupils may need additional support in a certain subject area. The test results are also used to report publicly on schools’ performance via the Department for Education’s (DfE) Compare School and College Performance service and to produce national and regional performance statistics.

Your child will sit the KS2 tests on scheduled dates set by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA). If your child is absent on a scheduled test day, they may be able to take any missed test up to 5 school days afterwards. Your child’s school must apply for a timetable variation and receive approval from STA to allow for this.

For the academic year 2026 to 2027, the KS2 tests are scheduled to take place from Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May 2027:

KS2

Below are the unvalidated results for KS2. Well done to all of the pupils and staff for working so hard to achieve these results. Some of these tests were very challenging indeed. 

Attainment

The percentage in brackets shows the national average.

The standardised score in brackets shows the national average.