Tracking and assessing pupils' progress

Learn how to track pupil progress and what factors to consider in order to effectively assess pupil performance and the quality of your teaching and learning.

Last reviewed on 26 January 2024
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Contents
  1. Start by establishing a consistent assessment system
  2. Decide where and how to track assessment data
  3. Set whole-school attainment and progress targets
  4. Use data effectively to promote learning  
  5. Use the same systems for disadvantaged pupils 
  6. See how other schools are approaching this

Please note that any mention of commercial products in this article doesn’t constitute an endorsement from The Key. 

Start by establishing a consistent assessment system

To monitor pupil progress, you need assessment data. Gather this through robust internal assessment with your consistent assessment system, as well as end of Key Stage attainment data. 

Know the difference between attainment and progress so you can begin to measure pupil performance effectively.

Decide where and how to track assessment data

Putting all your assessment data in one place means you can easily see which pupils are meeting their targets, and those who are falling behind the rest of their cohort and therefore may need extra support. 

Target Tracker, which is a software package that enables teachers to record pupils' achievements and monitor their progress over time. It allows you