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Assessing and monitoring pupils' progress in maths (primary)

Find guidance on the use of formative and summative assessment of primary maths, and learn how to monitor pupils' progress using different resources.

Last reviewed on 18 December 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: Primary•Ref: 8162
Contents
  1. Use formative assessment as part of adaptive teaching
  2. Use summative assessment to evaluate what pupils have learned over a longer-term period
  3. Make formative and summative assessment work together
  4. More resources to support assessment, monitoring and tracking progress
  5. Next, think about raising attainment

Use formative assessment as part of adaptive teaching

Formative assessment is the day-to-day assessment to inform teaching on an ongoing basis. 

This means identifying pupils' misconceptions early and being responsive to pupils' needs. It includes:

  • Additional support and scaffolding to support pupils who are struggling
  • Further challenge to stretch pupils’ learning
  • Feedback to move learning forward
  • Informing planning for the next lesson and long-term sequences

Try these practical strategies 

Progression grids These break down key content and targets of the curriculum and: Help you understand what progress looks like for your pupils Provide a benchmark for expectations when scrutinising a year group or phase Walter Evans Church of England Primary and Nursery School in Derby has maths progression grids for years 1 to 6 based on the Maths – No Problem! scheme of work (please