What: The RBA is a short, one-to-one assessment that focuses on early maths, language and literacy. It’s practical, age-appropriate and completed in a relaxed setting with a familiar adult.

When: Within the first 6 weeks of starting Reception

Purpose: To provide a baseline measure for children’s progress from Reception to Year 6. It is used for national school accountability and not for individual tracking.

Will parents receive results? No. Individual results are not shared with schools or parents. It is not used to make judgments about your child.

What: Teachers assess your child against 17 Early Learning Goals based on their development across the year. This includes communication and language, physical development, literacy, mathematics and more.

When: End of Reception (Summer Term)

Purpose: To provide a well-rounded picture of your child’s learning and development as they prepare to move into Year 1.

Will parents receive results? Yes. You will receive a written summary of your child’s attainment in each area, which will be discussed with you before the end of the year.

What: A short, one-to-one check to assess your child’s ability to decode words using phonics - a key reading skill.

When: June in Year 1

Format: Children read 40 real and pseudo-words aloud to a teacher.

Purpose: To ensure children are on track with their reading skills. Those who do not meet the expected level will receive additional support and re-take the check in Year 2.

Will parents receive results?  Yes. You will be informed whether your child has met the expected standard, and what support will be provided if they haven’t.

What: An online, timed check of your child’s knowledge of times tables up to 12 × 12.

When: June in Year 4

Format: 25 questions. 6 seconds per question. No writing involved

Purpose: To ensure fluency in multiplication facts, which are key to success in upper Key Stage 2 maths.

Will parents receive results?  Yes. Schools receive each child’s raw score, and we share this with you alongside our support plans if needed.

What: Formal national tests in English and maths, with writing and science assessed by teachers.

When: May in Year 6

Subjects Tested: Reading. Maths (Arithmetic and Reasoning). Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling. Writing and science (teacher assessment only)

Purpose: To assess children’s learning at the end of primary school and inform transition to secondary school.

Will parents receive results?  Yes. You will receive your child’s test scores along with teacher-assessed outcomes for writing and science. These are shared in your child’s end-of-year report.