"It's the best preparation we've done for the children" - How North Ferriby CE Primary School benefits from NFER Assessments

For Claire Bennett, Deputy Headteacher at North Ferriby CE Primary School, assessment isn’t just a data exercise: it’s a crucial part of understanding progress, building teacher confidence, and preparing pupils effectively for the demands of later schooling. Having worked with NFER Assessments across two settings, Claire brings a unique perspective on how the tests support both leadership and classroom practice.

Why North Ferriby chose NFER

Before Claire joined the school, North Ferriby had already adopted NFER Tests to help strengthen their assessment processes.  

"They chose NFER because they felt that the assessments gave the leadership team a better picture of true assessment across the school. Teachers didn't always feel confident in their judgments, and they needed something external to support and validate their judgments."

For Claire, this mirrored her previous experience. At her previous school, NFER had helped establish consistency and accuracy across year groups. 

"We found that our year sixes were stumbling a little bit because they weren’t used to test conditions. But if you start from year three, they don’t see it as a test, they see it as a quiz. Their perception changes." 

Across both schools, NFER stood out as the assessment most closely aligned to end‑of‑key‑stage expectations. 

"We preferred NFER. We thought it was more in line with the optional Key Stage 1 and statutory Key Stage 2 SATs - the layout, the structure."

Diving deep into the data

While North Ferriby had been using NFER Assessments for some time, the NFER Tests Analysis Tool was new to many staff. Claire is encouraging staff to make the most of what the reports can tell them about their pupil’s progress. 

"We give staff dedicated time to actually do the analysis."

"I like assessment. I like to look at data. I like to break it down. I like to track progress. Over the course of the year, [our staff] will see the progress measures, the individual pupil breakdowns… and see the progress being made."

Giving leaders the whole-school picture

NFER's structure and reporting allow Claire to maintain visibility across classes and cohorts. 

"For me, it’s quite telling. I see the progress measures and I see the scattergrams as to who is where. I’m able to identify certain children and put them on a lookout list."
"If a child has dipped - why have they dipped? Let’s look at what we can do to try and get them back."

With the Analysis Tool, Claire can quickly identify trends and anomalies: 

"You can’t be in every classroom… so as a leader, I find it invaluable. A few clicks and you’re into the reports."

Preparing pupils effectively

One of Claire’s strongest reflections is how closely NFER tests reflect real SATs expectations. 

"NFER has seemed the most in line with end‑of‑key‑stage expectations. It’s been the best preparation we’ve done for the children."

Across both of her schools, this alignment has translated into strong outcomes: 

"At my previous setting, the reading data just went from strength to strength. The school I’m currently in - their reading data has been strong consistently, and they are NFER Test scores."

Roll it out well, and the value becomes clear

North Ferriby’s journey is one of building confidence, shifting perceptions and embedding a culture where assessment is a tool for improvement, not accountability. 

'"It’s good. I really like it. I’m really glad my school do it - if they didn’t, I’d have been suggesting we do it."

But she emphasises that effective implementation and communication with staff is crucial: 

"It needs to be rolled out correctly, with the right mindset… staff need to see the value in it."

For Claire, assessment is ultimately about supporting children: 

"It’s not about highlighting gaps in teaching - it’s highlighting the gaps for the kids so teachers can act upon that." 

Find out more 

Visit the NFER Tests page for more information on using paper assessments in your school or MAT.