End of Year Assessments
Dear Families
As we move into our final cycle of the year, we would like to share important information about our upcoming end‑of‑year assessments and how we are supporting students to approach them with confidence and purpose.
Purpose of the End‑of‑Year Assessments
Our Cycle 3 Assessments are designed to enable our students to make their best, better.
These assessments provide students with a valuable opportunity to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have securely acquired over the course of the year
- Help identify any gaps in understanding, so that these can be addressed effectively
They also allow teachers to:
- Gain a clear picture of each student’s progress
- Tailor teaching and support to address identified gaps
- Help students catch up and keep up, ensuring they are well prepared for the next stage of their learning
All students will complete core assessments in a formal examination setting, including the use of any agreed access arrangements, as far as possible. This experience is an important part of developing confidence and helping students become familiar with routines, expectations and conditions. By practising these processes now, students are better able to focus on showing what they know and can do. All other assessments will be completed in class over the course of their assessment weeks.
Key Dates
To ensure that all students benefit from this approach, the coreassessments will take place during the Year 11 examination period. This means these assessments fall outside of our usual assessment windows.
| Subject | Assessment Date |
| English | Y7 – Wednesday 20th May (AM) Y8 – Monday 18th May (PM) Y9 – Wednesday 20th May (PM) |
| Mathematics | Y7 – Wednesday 13th May (PM) Y8 – Tuesday 12th May (AM) Y9 – Friday 15th May (PM) |
| Year 10 Assessments | Maths – Monday 1st June (PM) and Wednesday 10th June (PM) English Language – Tuesday 2nd June (PM) English Literature – Tuesday 9th June (AM) Biology – Thursday 4th June (PM) History – Friday 5th June (PM) Geography – Friday 5th June (PM) Chemistry – Monday 8th June (PM) Physics – Thursday 11th June (PM) MFL – Friday 12th June (PM) |
For all other subjects, assessment weeks will take place from: Monday 1 June to Friday 12 June
Further details will be shared with students in school and via subject teachers. Working with their study skills, students can use their knowledge organisers too revise all content from all units.
Attendance During the Assessment Period
Attendance during this period is crucial. Being present ensures that students can:
- Access the full assessment experience
- Benefit from consistent routines and conditions
- Ensure teachers have accurate information to support learning and next steps
We strongly encourage families to avoid arranging appointments or holidays during this time wherever possible. If there are unavoidable circumstances, please contact the school as early as possible so we can support your child appropriately.
Supporting Students with Preparation and Wellbeing
Students will be shown a preparation assembly this week, which outlines practical strategies for revision, organisation and approaching assessments calmly and confidently. This is attached to ensure you are fully informed of the process.
We also recognise the importance of mental health and wellbeing during assessment periods. A wellbeing and exam support booklet for families is attached offering guidance on how to support your child before and during exams. There are also many websites that offer support to parents such as Bitesize Parenting – advice for parents from BBC Bitesize.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. By working together, we can ensure that students approach their assessments feeling prepared, supported and confident in their ability to succeed.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Yours sincerely,
Portia Taylor
Deputy Headteacher
https://www.beckfootthornton.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/05/Exam-Attack.pdf
