Key Stage 1 and 2 grammar, punctuation and spelling tests

Last reviewed on 6 December 2021
School types: All · School phases: Primary
Ref: 10508

Find out which pupils you need to administer the KS1 and KS2 grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) tests to and understand the format of the tests.

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Contents

  1. KS1 GPS tests are non-statutory
  2. KS2 GPS tests are statutory for schools that follow the ARA 
  3. Format of the KS1 tests
  4. Format of KS2 tests
  5. Sample papers

KS1 GPS tests are non-statutory

Schools can choose whether to administer the English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) test.

You can download test materials from the Primary Assessment Gateway from Tuesday 3 May. 

This guidance comes from section 5.1 of KS1 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA).

KS2 GPS tests are statutory for schools that follow the ARA 

Maintained schools 

The KS2 ARA is statutory for maintained schools, including maintained special schools, with pupils in KS2.

Academies 

Your funding agreements may require you to follow the statutory requirement set out in the ARA. 

If your funding agreement says you will comply with guidance issued by the secretary of state in relation to assessment of pupils' performance, your pupils must take the tests.

Independent schools 

You can choose to take part in the assessments. If you do, you must follow the ARA. 

PRUs

Registered at a maintained school or academy should take the tests. The school

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