AQW 24870/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 24/03/2025
Answered On Date: 31/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail how he will ensure the recently announced Key Stage Assessments do not disproportionately impact teacher workload in the selected participating sample schools.

Answer:

The statutory Key Stage assessments have been specifically designed to

minimise bureaucracy and workload for schools. Outcomes will only be published at system level and will not be used to measure individual school performance nor published at pupil or school level. This means they will be very low stakes at pupil and school level meaning there is no need for selected sample schools to engage in test preparation.

The Council for the Curriculum, Examination and Assessments will be responsible for designing and marking the statutory Key Stage assessments. Substitute cover will be provided to assist the invigilation of the assessments. This approach will further lessen workload for schools.