Students are graded for effort and attainment in English each half term in line with whole school assessment policy.  In Key Stage 3 students study a specific unit of work each half term and complete a range of tasks.

Students follow schemes of work as outlined in the National Curriculum Programme of study for Key Stage 3 in Speaking and Listening (EN1), Reading (EN2) and Writing (EN3), in line with the National Literacy Framework.  Work is continuously assessed according to level descriptors in the National Curriculum.  Final Levels are based on teacher assessment; each half-term levels are recorded based on continuous assessment of National Curriculum Levels and three standardised tests which take place at different points during the year. Achievement is assessed against descriptions of National Curriculum levels of attainment (levels 3-7), with the level that provides the best fit with student performance awarded for that half term.  Sublevels are used to indicate if work is at the entry standard for the level (c),  secure mid level (b),  or top standard for the level (a).

Students are also tested in reading (NFER) and spelling (Young’s Group Parallel Test) at the start of Year 7 to assess their ability and are re-tested at the end of the year to assess improvement.

The half-termly assessments are based on the Year 7 units of work.