In May 2023 the final cohort of pupils took statutory key stage 1 Sats tests. From the 2023-24 academic year, all KS1 Sats tests have become optional.
But why has this change been introduced? Can schools still sit KS1 Sats if they want to? And how will they be marked if they do? We explain everything you need to know:
Why has the government switched to optional tests?
The KS1 tests have been replaced by the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA). The RBA is taken by all pupils when they first start school in Reception class.
Previously, the KS1 tests have been used to judge schools by measuring the progress made by children between KS1 and KS2. Since September 2021 the RBA has been a statutory requirement, and therefore the KS1 tests have now become optional.
The method that will be used to measure progress between the RBA and the KS2 Sats has not yet been shared by the Department for Education with schools.
Do schools need to opt in for the KS1 tests?
Rather than opting in, schools need to opt out from being sent the KS1 tests.
Schools wishing to decline the paper copies should have completed a form on the Primary Assessment Gateway by 17 November.
Unless a school declined to receive the tests, all maintained schools and academies will receive paper copies of the KS1 tests for all subjects. Schools were asked to enter holiday dates on to the Primary Assessment Gateway by 17 November to assist with the delivery of the tests.
Even if a school declines the optional tests, it can still download the materials from the Primary Assessment Gateway.
Will the new optional tests be the same as the old KS1 tests?
The optional tests will be exactly the same as previous versions of the tests. For more information read our guide on key Sats dates and details on what each paper includes.
When will the optional tests be delivered to schools?
Paper copies of the tests will be sent to schools between Monday 22 April and Friday 26 April 2024. Digital versions of the test will be available on the Primary Assessment Gateway from Wednesday 1 May.
On what dates should schools give the optional tests to pupils?
The DfE recommends schools set the tests during the month of May. However, these optional tests can be used at any time.
Should children take the optional tests in test conditions?
As these tests are optional tests and the results will not be reported, it is up to the school to decide how the tests should be taken.
However, there is DfE guidance available on how to administer the tests. There is also this Tes article on different approaches to taking the KS1 Sats tests.
When will the mark schemes and scaled score conversion tables be released?
All of the mark schemes to accompany the papers will be released on Wednesday 1 May on the Primary Assessment Gateway. The scaled score conversion tables will be available to download on the Primary Assessment Gateway on Thursday 16 May.
Why would a school choose to use the optional tests?
Although schools won’t have to report the results of their assessments, the guidance from the DfE says that the tests are being provided as “support in the measurement of pupil achievement” and to “help identify where their pupils need additional support”.
Will modified papers still be made available to schools?
Optional tests will be provided for pupils who require modified papers - for example, large print or braille copies.
Are independent schools allowed to take the tests?
If an independent school wishes to order paper copies of the test, it can do so by completing the paperwork on the Primary Assessment Gateway.
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