Welsh Education Secretary Kirsty Williams has announced that online assessments are set to replace paper for national reading and numeracy tests in Welsh schools.

With the aim to find out about pupils’ reading and numeracy skills, the tests are currently taken from years two to nine on paper format. These paper tests will be replaced with personalised assessments to be taken online that have been specifically designed for use in Wales.

The new assessments will automatically adjust the level of the questions to match the individual taking the test, providing an appropriate level of challenge for each learner.

The change to online tests will reduce marking time and administration. Other benefits of the new system include:

  • Assessments tailored to individual pupils.
  • More detailed information on a child’s performance.
  • A reduction in feedback times to teachers and learners.
  • Schools will be able to test classes, small groups or individuals according to their facilities and at a time that works for them and their learners.

The full announcement (made on May 1st) is available from the Welsh Government website.