Report of the Expert Group on Assessment

The expert group on Assessment established by the secretary of state to advise on the future of statutory assessment reported just before half term.

The recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the DCSF, will have widespread implications for work in both primary and secondary sectors.

Most immediately, the proposed change of test dates for Key Stage 2 to mid June in 2010 will have practical implications. The DCSF and QCA are currently discussing the precise dates for next year and their conclusions will be announced soon. In the short term schools may need to review planned study trips and on the much larger scale will need to consider the implications for data transfer between primary and secondary sectors. Key Stage 2 test results will not be returned until September, after pupils have transferred to their new high schools, thus making teacher assessments the only source of advance data for receiving schools.

Other recommendations to be acted upon include building upon the good work that is already happening in the county for all pupils to spend 'a short period' in their destination high school during the summer term, and to engage in a substantial piece of work which bridges the move between the primary and secondary school.

Other areas covered include the plans for national sampling in Key Stage 2 science, the institution of a primary 'graduation' certificate of achievement and the introduction of the school report card as the principal vehicle for communicating the school's achievements to parents and the community.

The full report can be downloaded, along with the DCSF statement in response, outlining some of the practical moves toward implementation.