Key Stage 2 Tests

Debate between Nick Gibb and Amanda Solloway

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gibb]

That is a very clever-clever question, but I have learned through bitter experience not to respond to such provocation.

[Amanda Solloway (Derby North) (Con)]

Does the Minister agree that it is essential to measure the progress of both the child and the school to identify the gap and how best to fill it?

[Mr Gibb]

My hon. Friend is right. It is important to measure progress, as well as absolute attainment. One reason why some people regard the assessment this year as challenging is that there are questions in it that previously were not included in the standard test. They were called level 6 tests and were taken separately. We now include those challenging tests within this test so that schools can get credit for the progress of children who start their school with high levels of prior attainment.