🎒 School year, England
Year 5
The one year with no statutory assessment at all
By Sophie Hart · Founder & Editor
What to expect
Year 5 begins Upper Key Stage 2 (grouped with Year 6 in how the National Curriculum structures its programmes of study), with subject content continuing to build in depth and complexity ahead of the final KS2 year.
Statutory checks and assessments
Genuinely, there's no DfE-mandated statutory assessment in Year 5 — the only year across Reception to Year 6 with no official check on the calendar at all. It's worth stating plainly rather than filling the gap with invented 'informal' testing.
Home life & homework
Homework and independent project work often increase in scope this year as children build towards the demands of Year 6 and, eventually, secondary school.
Social & emotional
Many children start to show more of the social dynamics associated with the run-up to secondary school — stronger friendship groups, more awareness of social status, and for some, early signs of the anxieties that can surface around the Year 6 transition.
What to focus on
With no test pressure this year, it's a good window to build confidence, reading stamina and general resilience ahead of Year 6, rather than starting SATs preparation early.
When to check in with the school
Talk to the teacher if you notice a dip in confidence or motivation — Year 5 is often when early anxiety about 'growing up' and secondary school starts to surface for some children, well before it becomes relevant.
Year 5: common questions
What should I expect in Year 5?
The one year with no statutory assessment at all. Year 5 begins Upper Key Stage 2 (grouped with Year 6 in how the National Curriculum structures its programmes of study), with subject content continuing to build in depth and complexity ahead of the final KS2 year. This covers England's state school system — every child and school is different.
Are there any tests in Year 5?
Genuinely, there's no DfE-mandated statutory assessment in Year 5 — the only year across Reception to Year 6 with no official check on the calendar at all. It's worth stating plainly rather than filling the gap with invented 'informal' testing.
What should I focus on at home during Year 5?
With no test pressure this year, it's a good window to build confidence, reading stamina and general resilience ahead of Year 6, rather than starting SATs preparation early.
Sources & further reading
- School starting age — GOV.UK
- Primary assessments: future dates — GOV.UK / Standards and Testing Agency
This covers England's state school system only — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run different systems. This is general information, not advice for your specific child; your child's school and teacher are the best source for anything specific to them. Reviewed July 2026.