The Independent Review of Assessment
A review of statutory assessment is a core action in the TransformED Strategy and Delivery Plan. This page provides information about the Independent Review of Assessment.
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 were Chairperson Tim Oates CBE, with Dr Mick Walker and Garry Matthewson.
The appointed panel conducted an evidence-based review of assessment approaches internationally and 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.
- Supporting Progress for Every Child - Transforming Statutory Assessment - An Independent Review for Northern Ireland
- Summary Report - Supporting Progress for Every Child - Transforming Statutory Assessment - An Independent Review for Northern Ireland
- 10 Recommendations for Statutory Assessment in Northern Ireland - Supporting Progress for Every Child - Transforming Statutory Assessment - An Independent Review for Northern Ireland
- Assessment Principles - Supporting Progress for Every Child - Transforming Statutory Assessment - An Independent Review for Northern Ireland
- Statutory Assessment Pathway Overview Table - Supporting Progress for Every Child - Transforming Statutory Assessment - An Independent Review for Northern Ireland
Response by the Department of Education to the Independent Review of Statutory Assessment
On 15 April the Department published a Response to the Independent Review of Statutory Assessment.
The Department has accepted all ten recommendations from the Review, including the removal of Levels of Progression; the creation of a statutory assessment pathway; the development of optional adaptive assessments; the introduction of the Writing Repository; and major strengthening of assessment training in Initial Teacher Education and ongoing professional development. This represents the most significant update to statutory assessment policy in more than two decades and aligns Northern Ireland with best practice internationally.
Further information about the response by the Department of Education to the Independent Review of Statutory Assessment can be found here.
Whilst the review recommendations are implemented by the Department, it is important to have consistent and reliable interim arrangements and to have an accurate picture of how our pupils are performing in literacy and numeracy. Therefore, the interim Key Stage assessment arrangements will remain in place for three years from 2025-26 until the 2027-2028 academic year. Further information on these can found at Assessment | Department of Education