National Assessments
A collection of documents published by Ofqual in relation to National Assessments (some of which are also known as SATs).
In regulating national assessments, Ofqual’s objectives are to promote standards and confidence in statutory early years and national curriculum assessments, such as those at key stage 1 and key stage 2 (taken during state primary education). We provide an independent view on the validity of assessment, in particular on technical aspects such as test development, standard setting and marking. We carry out our work through monitoring and providing feedback on assessment processes, carrying out research and reporting publically on key aspects of assessment validity.
National curriculum assessments are developed and delivered by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), part of the Department for Education. The Standards and Testing Agency has a statutory duty to investigate matters which relate to the accuracy or correctness of results or outcomes of national curriculum assessments; we pass on complaints we receive to the STA for investigation.
Additional information
- how to complain to the STA
- how to report malpractice in national curriculum assessments
- information about early years assessments, also the responsibility of the Department for Education
Regulatory framework
More information on Ofqual’s specific powers and duties in relation to national assessments can be found in our Regulatory framework for national assessments.
Annual Reports
Research and other publications
Updates to this page
Last updated 5 February 2020 + show all updates
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Added link to Ofqual response to DfE consultation on Early Years Foundation Stage reforms.
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Added National assessments regulation annual report 2019.
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Added memorandum of understanding between Ofqual and STA to the research and other publications section.
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Added 'A review of approaches to assessing writing at the end of primary education' to the research collection.
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Added annual report for 2018.
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Added 'letters regarding national assessments supplier change from 2020'.
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First published.