Introduction to National Tests

What are the National Tests?
Children who are attending state schools in England and Wales sit National Tests at the ages of 7, 11 and 14. These tests take place on the same days throughout the country, usually at the beginning of May. They are also known as Standard Assessment Tests or SAT’s and are also referred to as National Curriculum Tests because they are based on the National Curriculum.

What is the National Curriculum?
The National Curriculum is a very detailed blueprint governing what subjects should be taught in schools throughout the country. The National Curriculum also outlines how these subjects should be taught and was first introduced into primary schools in 1989. Since that time the National Curriculum has been revised a couple of times to ensure that it remains accurate and up to date.

What subjects are taught and tested?
The National Curriculum splits subjects into two groups; core subjects and foundation subjects. Core subjects are English, mathematics and science. These are at the centre of what is taught in schools and the skills they provide are necessary to study all the other subjects. The core subjects are tested during the National Tests.

Core Subjects:
English
Mathematics
Science

Foundation Subjects:
Art and Design
Design and Technology
Geography
Modern Foreign Languages
History
Information and Communication Technology
Music
Physical Education

The National Tests
The National Tests are sat at ages 7, 11 and 14 as follows:

Key Stage 1 – age 7
Key Stage 2 – age 11
Key Stage 3 – age 14

If you click on the links below you will find specific information (to share with your child) about the make up of the National Tests and what actually happens during the tests.