Findings from TIMSS provide high-quality, internationally comparative data to inform education policy in England and globally. The study offers valuable insights into pupils’ attitudes toward learning, school resources, teaching practices and qualifications, and how these factors relate to achievement. This information helps improve teaching and learning in mathematics and science across the country.
Participation is by invitation only. Schools are randomly selected using scientific sampling methods to ensure that the sample represents all schools in England. This ensures that the results accurately reflect national performance of Year 5 and Year 9 pupils.
One of the requirements of TIMSS is to ensure that the sample of participating schools is representative of schools in England. Whilst participation in the study is not compulsory, the Department for Education has a strong expectation that all schools do participate. The Education Act 1996, and most academy funding agreements, enables the Secretary of State for the Department for Education to issue a direction that would require schools to take part in an international study should she feel it expedient to do so.
The Department for Education will review school participation on a school-by-school basis and will exempt participation only in exceptional circumstances, for schools faced with extreme extenuating circumstances. The Department does not expect that many schools will fall in that category.
Before the assessment: We will work with your school contact (the School Coordinator) to make sure we have all the information we need, and will check your IT. We'll also work with you to identify the best dates and times for your school.
During the assessment: Our team is on hand to provide support, if needed. We ensure everything runs according to plan and address any issues immediately. Our trained Study Administrators, who all have teaching experience, will deliver the study in your school. Our administrators bring everything to the school and run the session. We may require some support in distributing the school, teacher(s) and Year 5 home questionnaires. All marking will be done by NFER. There will also be a school, teacher(s) and Year 5 parent/carer questionnaire.
After the assessment: We handle all data processing and follow-up. You'll receive confirmation that your school's participation was successful, and we’ll keep you informed about when national results will be published.
Contribute to national policy: your data directly informs Department for Education policy decisions on curriculum, teaching methods, and resource allocation for maths and science education.
Represent England globally: your pupils have the opportunity to represent England in an important global study, contributing their voice to international education research alongside pupils from over 70 countries. The digital format and varied question types provide pupils with an engaging, low-stakes assessment experience.
Receive a package of support: including a thank you payment for taking part, a reward for participating classes, a school certificate, a digital badge and tailored feedback based on pupil questionnaire responses to help strengthen understanding of your school's context.
Between March and April 2026: schools and pupils in England took part in the TIMSS 2027 field trial. Information from the field trial was then used to prepare for the main study.
From September 2026: schools that have been selected to participate in the main study are contacted by NFER. We support schools throughout the study to ensure that participating is a hassle-free experience for teachers and pupils.
Between March and May 2027: pupils in England take part in the TIMSS 2027 study.
From May 2027 to December 2028: international researchers collate and analyse the data from all participating countries and prepare reports on the results.
December 2028: the IEA publishes the international report about all countries. The national report for England is published by DfE.
Invited schools will have received an email from us with a sign-up link.
If you have further questions and/or want us to resend the form, please contact [email protected] or call 01753 637007.
Our helpdesk will operate continuously from 8.30-17.00 Monday to Friday, including school holidays.