The Education (National Curriculum) (Key Stage 4 Assessment Arrangements) (England) Order 2016

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order specifies the assessment arrangements for pupils in the fourth key stage. In particular it makes provision for the introduction of new national reference tests from the 2016-17 school year. The tests will apply to pupils in a sample of schools who are in the final year of the fourth key stage shortly before they sit their GCSEs. Pupils who are selected will take tests based on the GCSE content in either English language or mathematics. The purpose of the tests is to provide evidence of changes in performance over time in English language and mathematics in England at the end of Year 11. The tests will allow the regulator, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) to assess, over several years, whether there is a change in the performance of pupils in English language and mathematics at a national level, which will in turn inform the awarding of grades in all subjects.

The Order confers functions on the head teacher and on the test supplier under section 87(7) of the Education Act 2002 to facilitate these assessment arrangements. The pupils who will take the tests will be selected by a test supplier, who will administer the tests and will have the power to make delegated supplementary provisions in respect of them, subject to the Secretary of State’s approval. The head teacher must arrange for pupils who have been selected to take the tests subject to article 3(6).

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.