Assessment and tracking progress

Registration and Test Entry

• multilingual learners who use English as an Additional Language (EAL) must be registered for the Key Stage 2 (KS2) tests, even if they do not ultimately sit them.
• in line with the KS2 Assessment and Reporting Arrangements (STA), test participation decisions are made on a per-test basis. Pupils should only be entered where the test provides a valid measure of attainment and if not, a teacher judgement may be submitted instead. Pupils may, for example, sit the maths tests but not the reading or Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) papers.
• learners should not be entered for a test if they are working at a level where they would achieve little or no marks. This must be recorded on the test attendance register as Code B.
• only learners who are not expected to gain any marks should be classified as working below the standard of the test (Code B). In such cases, schools are required to use the Pre-Key Stage Standards.
• if a learner is likely to score 2–3 marks, they may be entered for the test.

Reading and SPaG Tests

• Code B should be applied to multilingual learners using EAL for the Reading and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) tests if their level of English proficiency does not yet allow them to access the tests.

Mathematics

• for any newly arrived multilingual learner using EAL, schools should assess their mathematical understanding using the learner’s home language, where possible. Note: EMAS Multilingual Education Assistants (MLAs) can support with this assessment.
• if a learner’s understanding of mathematics is age-appropriate, they should be entered for the test and provided with the appropriate access arrangements.
• Coventry EMAS can offer bilingual support in a range of languages. Schools should contact the EMAS administration team to determine whether support is available in the required language.
• schools should ensure that a session with an MLA is booked to help establish whether a newly arrived learner is working at the standard of the test prior to the examination. Where it forms part of normal classroom practice, the MLA may also support the learner during the SATs tests. Note: Any translator used during the SATs must not be related to the learner.
• if it is not possible to establish a newly arrived multilingual learner’s level of mathematical competence, or if appropriate translation support cannot be accessed, the learner should not be entered for the test. They should instead be registered and recorded as Code U (pupils working at the standard of the test but unable to access it).
• where a multilingual learner using EAL arrives in the weeks immediately preceding the tests, and there is insufficient time to determine whether they are working at the standard of the tests, they should be registered and marked as Code J (Just Arrived) on the test attendance register (see section 6.2)

Access Arrangements

Reading and SPaG: Translations

• the Reading and SPaG tests must be administered in English.
• no translation of test questions is permitted, except for directions or instructions that are not part of the test content.
• for SPaG Paper 1, a question may be read aloud to a pupil on a one-to-one basis upon request. This arrangement may only be used if it reflects the pupil’s normal classroom practice.

Mathematics: Translations

• in line with the Key Stage 2 Access Arrangements Guidance, access arrangements for the mathematics tests are based on normal classroom practice and may include:
• a translator preparing a written translation of the test paper;
• a translator orally translating questions as required;
• the multilingual learner using EAL giving answers in their first language, with the translator recording them in English;
• the multilingual learner using EAL writing answers in their first language, with the translator providing a written translation.
• to prepare a written translation, schools are automatically permitted to open test papers up to one hour before the test. If more than one hour is required, early opening must be applied for via The Primary Assessment Gateway.
• all adults supporting learners must adhere to the KS2 Test Administration Guidance. Where it is part of normal classroom practice, multilingual pupils using EAL may also use:
• monolingual English electronic spell checkers;
• bilingual word lists;
• bilingual dictionaries or electronic translators that provide word-for-word translations only

Removal of Pupils from the Results Data

During the 2026 KS2 September checking exercise and in accordance with Check Your Performance Measures Data:

• schools may request the removal of a multilingual pupil using EAL who has arrived from abroad and their first admission to a school in England was before 1 September 2023, if they can provide information/evidence to show exceptional circumstances such as the pupil having no formal education prior to arriving in England, or arrival as part of a resettlement scheme, and the pupil’s first language is not English
• do not request the removal of a multilingual pupil using EAL if your school/college census return shows that the pupils first language is English
• do not request the removal of a multilingual pupil using EAL if English is an official language of their country of origin
• do not request the removal of a multilingual pupil using EAL if the pupil’s first admittance to an English school was before 1 September 2023 and you cannot provide information/evidence of exceptional circumstances