How NFER Tests support consistent assessment across Penk Valley Academy Trust
“With NFER Tests, we have a clearer picture of pupil progress.”
We met with Andrew Grocutt, Headteacher of Penkridge Middle School, one of seven schools within Penk Valley Academy Trust in Staffordshire, to learn how schools within the Multi-Academy Trust transitioned to using NFER Tests to bridge gaps between key stages and standardise assessment practices.
Establish a clear baseline for pupil data
“Before adopting NFER Tests, the trust relied on different assessment methods across its schools. The first schools predominantly used teacher assessments, while the middle school utilised a standardised assessment provider. However, the trust encountered issues with an inconsistent approach.”
With different schools using varied assessment methods, comparing pupil performance across the trust was difficult. The trust found that other standardised assessments provided an overly optimistic picture of attainment, making it harder to pinpoint learning gaps.”
As a middle school, the school also struggled with a lack of standardised starting points. “Pupils entering year 5 came from four different first schools, each with its own assessment approach, making it challenging to establish a clear baseline. We wanted something that we can set a standard to.”
A reliable, standardised solution ahead of SATs
“Recognising these challenges, the trust sought a solution that would provide reliable, standardised assessments while being accessible to all schools. A new headteacher in one of the first schools, who had previously used NFER Tests, introduced the assessments to create consistency.”
“We decided that year 5 would use NFER Tests as the endpoint before SATs preparation,” Mr Grocutt explains. “That way, we can track progress and provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of where the children have come from and what progress they have made.”
Building a clear, confident and consistent picture of pupil progress
To ensure consistency across the trust, assessments are now conducted three times a year in autumn, spring, and summer to align with reporting cycles and parent-teacher meetings. “We ensure all assessments are planned in line with our data drops so that we have accurate, up-to-date information to share with parents,”.
By implementing NFER Tests across multiple schools, the trust can now compare results consistently. “Now that we’re all set with NFER, we can talk about our results with confidence,” says Mr Grocutt. “We’re comparing apples with apples instead of apples and pears.”
Teachers in the first schools found the NFER Tests Analysis Tool particularly useful for identifying learning gaps. “It has helped them focus on the areas they need to revisit or re-teach or given them confidence in areas where their children are secure,” Mr Grocutt explains.
By standardising assessments in earlier years, Penk Valley Academy Trust has improved the transition process for pupils moving up to middle and secondary schools. “Previously, when we had low SATs results, we’d ask: ‘Why didn’t we know?’ Now, with NFER Tests, we have a clearer picture of pupil progress and can better support their development.”
Implementing a new assessment successfully
Mr Grocutt advises to choose an assessment that fits your school’s needs. “Find something that’s reliable and gives you good validity in terms of what you’re assessing.” - NFER offers guidance on how to ensure a test is valid.
It’s also important to ensure all stakeholders are on board. “Get everyone aligned so that assessment data is consistent across the board.”
NFER Tests and beyond: looking to the future
Having implemented NFER Tests in 2024, the trust is still in the early stages of fully embedding the approach. However, the initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’re happy with how it’s going,” Mr Grocutt says. “As we complete a full cycle, we’ll continue to evaluate and refine our approach to maximise the benefits for our pupils and staff.”
To find out more about using NFER Tests in your school or MAT, visit the NFER Tests page.