Standardised Testing

Note on Standarised tests 

A standardised test is used to measure a child’s achievement in English reading and maths compared to other children throughout the country at the same class level or age level.

The English reading test gives information about how well your child can understand what he/she has read. This test does not gather information on your child’s written or spoken English. The maths test finds out how well your child can use numbers for different purposes and solve maths problems.

The STen ranges are as follows: (STen means a standard score out of ten) 

8 - 10 is well above average

7 is above average

5 - 6 is average

4 is below average

1 - 3 is well below average

As with other tests your child does in school, his/her result on a standardised test can be affected by how he/she feels on the test day or by worry or excitement about a home or school event. This means that each test result is an indication of your child’s achievement in English reading and maths. You play an important role in encouraging and supporting your child no matter what he/she scores on the test.

Please note: One test score by itself does not give a complete picture of your child’s learning in English reading or maths.

Further information on standarised tests can be found here on the NCCA website.