Northern Ireland's Education Minister Paul Givan has published a policy framework for statutory assessments in primary schools and Key Stage 3. The framework establishes a pathway from Year 1 to Year 10.

Assessments include a baseline check in Primary 1 for ages five to six, a phonics reading check in Year 2, annual reading fluency checks in Years 3 to 5, literacy and numeracy assessments in Year 4, and a multiplication check in Year 5. Primary 7 pupils and Years 8 to 10 students will take literacy, numeracy, and science assessments.

Givan stated the framework creates a system that strengthens teaching and supports learners. He noted it provides parents with consistent information on child progress while publishing only system-level attainment data.

The assessments are short, low-stakes, and require no preparation. Many will be automatically marked to reduce teacher workload and focus classroom time on teaching and pupil needs.

The changes stem from an Independent Review of Statutory Assessment chaired by Tim Oates, which found the existing system of moderated teacher judgement and Levels of Progression lacks reliability for pupils, teachers, and the system. A recent Northern Ireland Audit Office report highlighted insufficient data on school effectiveness at Key Stages 1 to 3.

Givan described the reforms as part of the TransformED strategy to develop an equitable education system with high-quality teaching and learning.