Spring Standardisation Study 2026

Our Spring Standardisation Study is essential for ensuring that our assessments are refreshed with new content and are as rigorous and innovative as possible. They are a vital part of our continuous cycle of question development. The results from this study allow us to use the best performing questions to create tests which measure pupils’ attainment in Maths and English, as well as their reasoning abilities.

What is involved in the trial?

Schools with students in Year 6 or Year 7 are invited to participate in a paper-based trial of new questions we are developing for our assessments. The booklets are divided into groups: Attainment (combined Maths and English, or English Comprehension) and Reasoning (Verbal Reasoning, and/or Non-Verbal Reasoning). Wherever possible, we will endeavour to allocate booklets to a school from their chosen subject areas, either English and Maths, or Reasoning. However please note that Year 7 pupils are not eligible take part in the attainment booklets as these are aligned with the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

Each booklet consists of a 50 – 60 minute paper test, Schools must commit to a minimum of 2 booklets to take part.

• Once registered, schools will need to upload participating students’ data so that personalised answer sheets can be printed.
• Participating schools can trial at any time within a two-week trialling window. Our next trialling window is scheduled for March 2026. We will arrange for the materials to be delivered, collected and marked at no charge.
• Schools will receive the results once the trialling window has closed and all schools’ tests have been marked.

Why take part?

• It’s simple and easy to take part, and there is no cost involved.
• You don’t need to do any marking and will receive raw scores and standardised scores based on the sample of schools taking part.
• Your school will receive an Amazon voucher worth at least £100, increasing to £250 if 4 booklets are completed.
• Your contribution will support us in ensuring our assessments are as rigorous and innovative as possible and support our mission to improve educational outcomes for students.

Who is eligible to participate?

• Mainstream UK schools with pupils in Year 6 (Scottish P7 and Northern Irish P7 ) are eligible to completed booklets in both Attainment and Reasoning.
• Mainstream UK schools with pupils in Year 7 (Scottish S1 and Northern Irish Year 8) are eligible to complete booklets in Reasoning only.

Please note that we aim to recruit a nationally representative sample of schools. While we will make every effort to accommodate schools that register early, participation cannot be guaranteed

What kind of results will I receive?

You will receive raw scores once the answer sheets have been scanned by us and standardised scores following analysis of all schools’ results.

How do I sign up?

Fill in the registration form to register your interest, and we will be in touch with more details.

If you have questions or would like more information before registering, please email [email protected].