Key Stage Assessment guidance for Special Schools - 2025
Detailed Handbook & guidance for Special schools on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (Reception), Phonics Screening Check (Y1 & Y2), Multiplication Tables check (Y4) & End of Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Assessment (Y6)
Key Stage 2 (Year 6)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday 28th June 2025 (Recommended by the LA: Friday 20th June 2025)
All pupils enrolled at maintained schools, academies and special schools (including maintained special schools and special academies) who will complete the KS2 programmes of study by the end of the academic year, will reach the age of 11 by the end of the academic year and will be in year 6, and will be moving on to KS3 must be registered for the tests.
This includes pupils who are working below the overall standard of the tests, and ultimately will not take them, and are working at the pre-key stage 2 standards or being assessed using the engagement model.
Click here for detailed Special School Assessment Submission Handbook (PDF, 399 KB)
(MTC) Multiplication Tables Check (Year 4)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday 25th June 2025
The multiplication tables check, is a statutory assessment, designed to determine whether pupils can fluently recall their multiplication tables up to 12. Participation is for all year 4 pupils registered at maintained schools, academies (including free schools) and special schools (including maintained special schools and special academies).
Headteachers make the final decision about whether it is appropriate for a pupil to take the check.
Click here for detailed Special School Assessment Submission Handbook (PDF, 399 KB)
(PSC) Phonics Screening Check (Year 1 & Year 2 re-tests for pupils who scored 31 or lower in Year 1 tests 2024)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Wednesday 25th June 2025
The Phonics Screening Check is a statutory assessment to confirm whether children have learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard. Participation is in the year in which a child reaches age 6, which for most pupils will be in year 1; registered at maintained schools, academies (including free schools) and special schools (including maintained special schools and special academies). Pupils who have reached the age of 7 of which most pupils will be in year 2, must also take the check, if they have not taken the check before or if they did not meet the expected standard in June 2024 check.
Headteachers make the final decision about whether it is appropriate for a pupil to take the check.
Click here for detailed Special School Assessment Submission Handbook (PDF, 399 KB)
(EYFSP) Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (Reception)
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday 30th June 2025
The EYFS Profile is a statutory assessment of children's development. Participation is usually carried out in the final term of the year in which a child reaches age 5 in Reception and/or before the child moves into year 1; registered at maintained schools, academies (including free schools) and special schools (including maintained special schools and special academies).
Children are not exempt from the Profile on only the basis of SEND.
Click here for detailed Special School Assessment Submission Handbook (PDF, 399 KB)
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