Assessment
The latest news and analysis on exams in the UK, including key dates, timetables, results and statistics for Sats, GCSEs and A levels
Wednesday
14th May 2025
How our intensive GCSE workshop events are boosting grades
Using data analysis to identify students just missing out on certain grades, our trust is holding conferences to sharpen exam technique, says this director of education

4 in 5 teachers warn government will miss ‘school-ready’ target
A lack of affordable childcare is contributing to the problem of children starting Reception without being ready for school, a poll suggests

Tuesday
13th May 2025
How Estonia became education’s newest rising star
Estonia is one of Pisa’s biggest success stories, but what’s behind the country’s impressive results? Henry Hepburn finds out in an exclusive interview with education minister Kristina Kallas

Sats: Call to increase marks needed to hit expected standard in maths
Report calls for reform of maths Sats and GCSE and warns pupils are being rushed through a crowded curriculum

Monday
12th May 2025
Why Sats aren’t a true reflection of achievement
Helping children to feel a sense of achievement is crucial, but Sats aren’t the means to this end, writes Megan Dixon

KS2 Sats: Fivefold increase in use of transcribers
Data obtained by Tes shows surge in access arrangements for KS2 Sats, fuelling concerns about a decline in pupils’ handwriting and system’s susceptibility to abuse

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Why Sats are still imperfect
As Year 6 pupils begin their key stage 2 assessments, one trust education director outlines why the tests fail to capture the real depth and breadth of children’s achievements

Friday
9th May 2025
What GCSE uptake in special schools could tell us about inclusion
GCSE performance is increasing among special school students. Does this suggest more should be taught in mainstream?

More primaries take ‘far from perfect’ KS1 Sats
There has been a slight rise in primaries planning to run May key stage 1 Sats this year, despite copies no longer being sent automatically to schools

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