Assessment Reform
A review of statutory assessment is a core action in the TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan. This page provides information about the reform of Assessment in Northern Ireland.
The Minister established an Independent Review of Assessment Panel of education experts to advise on assessment in Northern Ireland.
The appointed members of the Independent Review of Assessment Panel are Chairperson Tim Oates CBE, with Dr Mick Walker and Garry Matthewson.
The panel have conducted an evidence-based review of assessment approaches internationally and have made a series of policy proposals about the purpose, nature and design of assessment in Northern Ireland.
The Independent Review of Assessment report and recommendations aim to develop a new system of attainment measures which set high standards and clearly defined learning outcomes for all pupils throughout both primary school and Key Stage 3.
Whilst the review recommendations are considered by the Department, it is important to have consistent and reliable interim arrangements, in particular an accurate picture of how our pupils are performing in literacy and numeracy in the post COVID-19 period. Therefore, the interim arrangements outlined below will remain in place for three years from 2025-26 until the 2027-2028 academic year.
Statutory Key Stage Assessment Arrangements
From the 2025-26 academic year, there will be a system level check in literacy and numeracy via written assessments designed, administered and marked by CCEA. The assessments will be taken by a representative sample of pupils in their final year of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. Pupils will sit the assessments in early March.
Outcomes will not be used for individual school performance measurement nor published at pupil or school level.
This approach is designed to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how well our pupils are developing in literacy and numeracy.
The key purpose of the assessments is to measure national educational performance. They will allow the Department to identify trends, strengths and areas for improvement within our education system.
CCEA Adaptive Assessments
As set out within TransformED, the Department is committed to investing in the further development of CCEA’s Adaptive Assessments as a formative assessment tool at pupil level and to inform school self-evaluation.
This standardised computer test in literacy and numeracy adapts depending on the child’s answers and levels of proficiency. This means it is accessible to all pupils including SEN and gifted and talented.
CCEA’s Adaptive Assessment was available to all schools. This free computer assessment tool is bespoke to the Northern Ireland Curriculum with 520 schools participating within the assessment period 29 September 2025 to 16 January 2026.