What are single level tests?

Single level tests are available in English reading, English writing and mathematics. Each test is intended for pupils working securely at the level of the test. They are available from level 3 to level 8, and are meant to confirm the progress of key stage 2 and 3 pupils. During the pilot, schools will have opportunities to enter pupils for single level tests twice a year, with testing windows in December and June. Instead of waiting until the end of a key stage to assess pupils' progress, single level tests give teachers the flexibility to enter pupils for a test when they are considered to be working securely at a particular level.

The single level tests are:

• intended to assess the knowledge, skills and understanding demonstrated by a pupil working at the level being assessed
• for pupils in both key stage 2 and key stage 3
• available at level 3 through to level 8 for pupils in years 3-9
• short - the tests last between 50 and 70 minutes depending on the level of the test
• marked by external markers
• available in modified large print, braille and enlarged print where required.

Ten local authorities are involved in piloting the tests across more than 450 primary and secondary schools. The single level tests were taken in December 2007 and June 2008. For information on the December 2007 and June 2008 tests, select the 'Single level tests guidance' link on this page. This section also includes information on future test windows.

During the trial, pilot schools will also administer the national curriculum tests in May to pupils at the end of key stages 2 or 3 in English, mathematics and science.

The NAA develops, delivers and marks the single level tests and provides guidance to schools and local authorities on administering the tests. Guidance for teachers on the content and format of the June 2008 single level tests is available from this page. The guidance also contains information on the design and development of single level tests.

Background to single level tests

In January 2007, the DCSF launched a consultation document, Making good progress - how can we help every pupil to make good progress at school? The consultation paper proposed a two-year pilot to be carried out in a national sample of schools to trial ways to improve pupils' progress throughout the key stages. The 'Making good progress' pilot, which started in schools in September 2007, will run until July 2009. There are five strands in the pilot: assessment for learning, single level tests, one-to-one tuition, progression targets and progression premium.