Academic year 2025 to 2026

Reception baseline assessment

Schools must complete the reception baseline assessment for each child in the first 6 weeks after they enter reception.

Early years foundation stage profile assessment

Schools must complete the early years foundation stage profile assessment between April and June of the academic year in which children turn 5, which is usually the reception year.

Optional key stage 1 tests

The recommended administration period for the optional key stage 1 tests is during May 2026.

Key stage 2 tests

The statutory key stage 2 tests are timetabled from Monday 11 May to Thursday 14 May 2026:

Date Activity
Monday 11 May 2026 English grammar, punctuation and spelling Papers 1 and 2
Tuesday 12 May 2026 English reading
Wednesday 13 May 2026 Mathematics Papers 1 and 2
Thursday 14 May 2026 Mathematics Paper 3

Multiplication tables check

Schools must administer the multiplication tables check within the 2-week period from Monday 1 June 2026.

Phonics screening check

Schools must administer the phonics screening check within the 1-week period from Monday 8 June 2026.