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The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is currently operating certain of its non-regulatory functions under the name Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA).
QCDA is responsible for developing the curriculum, improving and delivering assessments and reforming qualifications.
QCDA will continue to support schools, colleges and local authorities by delivering programmes previously managed by the National Assessment Agency and on behalf of QCA.
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Single level tests
QCDA develops and delivers the single level tests pilot on behalf of the DCSF. At the moment, only a small number of pilot schools are involved. This section has the information your school or local authority needs in order to prepare for and successfully run these pilot tests – visit our December 2009 page for the most recent guidance.
What are single level tests?
Single level tests in English reading, English writing and mathematics, assess knowledge, skills and understanding at a specific level (available at levels 3, 4, 5 and 6).
The tests are very flexible – teachers can enter pupils for a test in June or December, when they feel the pupil is ready for it, rather than waiting until the end of key stage 2. They are short – 50 to 60 minutes and marked by external markers at QCDA.
The pilot of the tests has now been extended, with 10 local authorities piloting the tests across more than 220 primary schools. Visit our 'Who's involved' page for more information.
In 2009-10, the results of single level tests in mathematics will be reported as the statutory national curriculum test result for year 6 pupils in single level test pilot schools. Pupils in the pilot schools will not take the end of key stage 2 national curriculum tests in mathematics in May 2010.
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Test dates for June 2010
Single level tests will take place on Monday 14, Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 June 2010.