Northern Ireland plans national online tests in reading, maths and science for pupils in P4 and P7 of primary school and Year 10 of post-primary school. The tests stem from a review of assessment practices. Reading and maths tests start in P4, with science tests from P7.

The Department of Education states the results will assist teachers and parents in monitoring pupil progress in core subjects. No school league tables will use the data. The tests, due around 2030, seek to cut school-set exams.

Education Minister Paul Givan said the tests provide uniform evaluations in all schools and set performance baselines for targeted support. He called them low-stakes, needing no preparation or revision, lasting about 20 minutes and held yearly.

Nicola Connery, principal of Strathearn School in Belfast, said the data aids pupil support and strategy tracking. She noted science focus supports transferable skills, with pupil welfare as priority.

Neil McAllister, head of Fairview Primary in Ballyclare, County Antrim, said the plan fits ongoing education changes and supplies data for key stage transitions without school rankings.

Garry Matthewson, a review panel member, said the tests impose low workload in a statutory system, enabling pupil data transfer from early years through school.