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QCDA is closing as part of the Government's education reforms. We're updating our website to reflect our reducing remit until the site closes in autumn 2011. You can find removed content in the National Archives web archive.

About optional tests

QCDA offers standardised optional tests for English, mathematics and science across key stages 2 and 3.

'Optional tests are an important part of the teacher assessment system that ensures our pupils make excellent progress.'
Headteacher, Lincolnshire, March 2010

Optional tests are designed to help teachers raise standards by providing further evidence to support their teacher assessment. Schools can use optional tests selectively as part of a repertoire of assessment tools.

Optional tests are available for years 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 in English and mathematics. Optional tests are also available for science in year 9 only.

The tests are marked internally and it's up to schools to decide how to use the results of the tests. The results will not be collected or published.

What is included?

Teacher packs include comprehensive guides with clear instructions for administering and marking the tests, level threshold information and one copy of the materials for assessing pupils. Mathematics teacher packs also include the mental mathematics audio CDs and test transcripts.

Pupil packs contain materials to assess 10 pupils.

Audiotape packs for the mental mathematics tests are an option for schools preferring this format.

Last modified: 10 Sep 2010