Primary assessments: future dates

This page summarises future assessment dates in primary schools, to assist schools with their forward planning.

Following the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report and the associated government response in November 2025, future assessment arrangements are under review in line with the relevant recommendations. Assessment arrangements for the academic year 2026 to 2027 will remain unchanged.

Assessment dates appear in chronological order. Schools must keep these periods free for administering the assessments. If there should be any changes as a result of the curriculum and assessment review, we will update this page accordingly.

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.

The recommended administration period for the optional key stage 1 tests is during May 2027.

The statutory key stage 2 tests are timetabled from Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May 2027:

Schools must administer the multiplication tables check within the 2-week period from Monday 7 June 2027.

Schools must administer the phonics screening check within the 1-week period from Monday 14 June 2027.

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.

The recommended administration period for the optional key stage 1 tests is during May 2028.

The statutory key stage 2 tests are timetabled from Monday 8 May to Thursday 11 May 2028.