How Yarnfield Primary School managed their transition to NFER Tests

Yarnfield Primary School, part of the Summit Learning Trust in Birmingham, introduced NFER Tests into their assessment strategy during the 2024-25 academic year. We met with Principal, Davinder Jandu, to discuss the school’s and MAT’s experience with NFER.

Implementing new assessments across schools in the MAT

The school and MAT follow a structured assessment calendar to integrate NFER Tests effectively. The assessments are embedded into their wider assessment strategy, balancing formative and summative assessments. "NFER is part of our summative assessment strategy. At the end of each term, the pupils take a summative assessment, and we then conduct a gap analysis. That gap analysis feeds into the taught curriculum for the following half term or term."

"We look at the standardised scores from the NFER Tests and then marry that up with teacher assessments to get a ‘best fit’ assessment result, which is recorded on Arbor." NFER’s partnership with Arbor’s MIS enables both schools and Multi Academy Trusts to access all their pupil and assessment data in one place.

Bespoke support to adopt NFER Tests

While a transition with standardised assessments can sometimes present challenges for schools and MATs, NFER’s tailored support eased this process. "NFER has offered bespoke CPD sessions for our MAT and school staff and ongoing support to help us get the best out of the resources."

"It’s not a case of ‘we’ve bought into NFER, and that’s it. We feel there is ongoing support, which is valuable for staff at all levels, not just leadership."

Using NFER Tests insights to inform school planning

Even in the early stages of implementation, teachers have begun to harness NFER Tests insights to inform their work.

"All teachers have to do the gap analysis, and it feeds into the planning. For example, in maths, when the next unit of work is planned out, we would add in the areas that need to be addressed from the gap analysis. For reading, we use our Vipers approach and adjust our cycle, if needed. If the data shows gaps in vocabulary, we spend longer on this in the next cycle."

Standing the test of time for assessment

"NFER has been long-standing, has a positive reputation, and has stood the test of time for assessment."

“Although our experience with NFER Tests is still in its early stages, usage has already prompted meaningful discussions about assessment strategies and how best to use data to drive pupil progress. While there are challenges in adapting to a new system, the school appreciates the structured approach, the insights from the reading assessments, and the ongoing support available from NFER.”

To find out more about using NFER Tests in your school or MAT, visit the NFER Tests page.