Northern Ireland's Department of Education published the findings of an Independent Review of Key Stage Assessment. The review covers pupils aged 4 to 14 in primary schools and Key Stage 3, which spans years 8 to 10 at post-primary schools.

The report, Supporting Progress for Every Child, recommends short low-stakes assessments in literacy, numeracy, and science. Schools would administer these in class each year with no need for pupil preparation. The assessments seek to give parents and teachers clear information on pupil progress.

Education Minister Paul Givan commissioned the review under his TransformED strategy. He said the proposals respond to teacher and school leader input on issues like duplication, workload, and administrative demands. Givan added that the report offers an evidence base from international approaches to build an assessment system supporting high standards.

The review panel included Tim Oates CBE, Dr Mick Walker, and Garry Matthewson, former principal of Holy Family Primary School. Tim Oates, the chair, said the panel drew on stakeholder input from schools, written consultations, and a public call for evidence.

Oates stated the recommendations rely on evidence-based practice tailored to Northern Ireland. He noted the proposed statutory pathway for assessments is low-workload, high-impact, and matches upcoming curriculum updates while targeting equity and attainment.

Givan said he will review the findings and recommendations before outlining next steps.