The assessments were introduced following the introduction of a National Curriculum to schools in England and Wales under the Education Reform Act 1988.
This model continued, with minor adjustments to reflect the changing content of the National Curriculum, up to 2004.
[4] In 2013, then Education Minister, Michael Gove announced that when the new version of the National Curriculum was introduced to schools from 2014, the system of attainment levels would be removed.
For each subject, teachers use the available evidence to reach one of a number of judgements, based on the national assessment framework.
Each judgement band is illustrated in the Teacher Assessment framework documentation by a number of descriptors of performance.
[citation needed] Judgements in reading, writing and mathematics are supported by test papers which are administered during May of Year 2.
Schools can choose to use an optional Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling test to support judgements in writing.
As at Key Stage 1, these judgements are based on a framework of descriptors, for which a child must meet all requirements to be awarded the band grade.
The grades available, therefore, are: The National Curriculum only extends to pupils in Years 1 to 11 of compulsory education in England.
[9] For pupils in other year groups there are no centralised assessments, although schools are free to use tests and examinations either of their own making, or purchased from a supplier.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, where children are aged under 5, assessment takes place using a separate framework.