Local authorities have a statutory duty to moderate the teacher assessment judgements each year for a minimum sample of 25% of schools in key stages 1 and 2.

For Key stage 1 this requires the moderation of judgments in reading, writing, and maths, at key stage 2 moderation takes place for writing judgements only.

Local authorities also have a statutory duty to monitor the administration of key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum tests and the phonics screening check.

The management of this process is delivered by Buckinghamshire Council.

Update for 2020/21 - Statement from the STA on 4^th December 2020 

We recognise the difficulties that primary schools are facing in light of the ongoing disruption caused by coronavirus (COVID-19). Therefore, we have altered our approach to the 2021 national curriculum assessments, and will focus on the most important summer assessments for schools, pupils and parents.

For 2021, we have removed:

• all key stage 1 (KS1) tests 
• the key stage 2 (KS2) English grammar, punctuation and spelling test 
• the requirement to make and report teacher assessment judgements for science at KS1 and KS2

To further support schools, we: 

• have delayed the statutory introduction of the multiplication tables check – schools may choose to take part on an optional basis 
• have extended the timetable variation periods for phonics and KS2, to allow schools greater flexibility if pupils cannot take the tests on the scheduled dates because of coronavirus disruption 
• have removed the requirement for schools to submit applications for pupils who need additional time in KS2 tests or notifications that they used an aid (such as a scribe or word processor) 

This means that the following statutory assessments will continue in 2021: 

• the phonics screening check for year 1 pupils (and year 2 pupils who have not met the expected standard previously) 
• KS2 English reading and mathematics tests 
• KS1 and KS2 teacher assessment (excluding science) 

Guidance Documents for 2020/21

The Standards and Testing Agency have published The Assessment and Reporting Arrangements 

• Early Years Foundation Stage
• Key stage one
• Key stage two

Guidance for schools and local authorities involved in the administration and moderation of statutory teacher assessment in 2021: 

• KS1 teacher assessment guidance

• KS2 teacher assessment guidance 

KS2 access arrangements guidance about how schools can support pupils participating in the 2021 KS2 national curriculum tests. 

KS2 timetable variations guidance about how schools can reschedule KS2 tests if pupils are absent. 

Multiplication tables check technical guidance for IT and network managers at schools choosing to take part in the optional 2021 multiplication tables check. 

Training

For statutory assessment and standardisation events at KS1 and KS2, please log onto your Commercial Services account.

Details of events can be found under school improvement services.