Analyse gaps in learning
Identify strengths and weaknesses at a strand and question level for individual learners, classes or groups to inform targeted teaching.
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Standardised termly reading assessments for learners aged 4–11. Available in print and digital format with free reporting and test data analysis.
New PiRA (Progress in Reading Assessment) is a termly reading assessment for ages 4–11, standardised on over 10,000 learners to reliably benchmark performance and track progress against national averages.
New PiRA features colourful papers and diverse characters to engage young learners and conceptualise reading problems, carefully written to ensure a steady progression in demand. Confidently assess all national curriculum content domains and generate thorough and consistent diagnostic profiles for your learners.
Why choose New PiRA?
Reliable outcomes
Easy to administer
Free reporting
Targeted interventions
New PiRA assessments have followed a rigorous standardisation process to ensure they provide valid and reliable data outcomes to measure attainment and track progress.
- Standardised on a nationally (UK) representative sample of over 10,000 pupils in 2019/20/21.
- Automatically generated Standardised Scores allow you to compare performance against national averages.
- Age-standardised Scores show how a learner is performing against children of the same age, calculated in years and months.
- Reading Ages measure the age at which each learner's performance is typical and provide useful reference points when discussing performance with parents.
- Hodder Scale Scores help to track progress for learners who are working outside of their age range but continue to make small increments of progress.
Gain actionable assessment data insights
Harness the power of Boost Insights, our test data analysis platform, FREE with your New PiRA purchase.
Instantly generate reports for individual learners, groups or whole schools and build a comprehensive profile of progress and attainment in your school or MAT.
Track learner progress
Easily track the performance of learners over time with progress reports, comparing overall results and strand performance across multiple termly tests.Predict National Test success
Predict the likelihood of success in National Tests with a high degree of accuracy.Read latest study
Download the Digital Evaluation Pack
View sample pages, assessment maps and learn more about the data insights provided by New PiRA in our digital evaluation pack.
Speak to an expert
Find out how New PiRA can transform your school's assessment process with your local Assessment Consultant.
Get in touch
Download Assessment Maps
Find out which elements are assessed in each termly paper and ensure all content has been taught with our free assessment maps, referencing all national curriculum content domains.
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What teachers are saying...
If you want to invest in something that reduces teacher workload and improves overall outcomes for children, then the flexibility of this assessment system is something worth considering.
Jill Wood, Headteacher Little London Community Primary SchoolThe children love the bright designs and the characters within the tests. They feel incredibly comfortable as the papers look and feel familiar and use language that they are well used to.
Mrs C. Coates, Headteacher Griffydam Primary SchoolThey are very easy to administer and guidance is clear. Pupils find them easy to use as they follow the same format each time.
Mrs C. Bromley, Headteacher Lamberhurst St Mary’s Church of England Primary SchoolThe tests have been the most useful investment we've made, certainly in terms of assessment, in the eight years I've led the school.
Sue Stamp, Headteacher Long Crendon School(W)e need to communicate with parents and they understand ages more so than standardised scores. It’s powerful to talk to a parent about supporting their 11yr old child with reading at home if we can say they have a reading age that doesn't align.
Deputy Head & Assessment Lead Riverside Primary School
Unlock diagnostically driven reading interventions
Effectively plug knowledge gaps with Shine Interventions, driven by learners' New PiRA assessment results.
Instantly identify learners with gaps in their knowledge and download targeted interventions in a click!
About the Authors
Colin McCarty
Colin McCarty was a teacher for 25 years before taking on the role of Project Director of National Curriculum test development for KS2 and KS3 from their inception. He has written a wide range of standardised assessments covering reading, writing, SPaG, mathematics and science. He is passionate about providing high quality, diagnostic information that assists teachers and supports children’s learning. Colin believes that summative and diagnostic information leads to data richness, which underpins assessment.
Kate Ruttle
Kate Ruttle has over 30 years’ experience as a primary teacher, SENCO and deputy head. She has also worked for local authorities as an advisory teacher and consultant for literacy and inclusion. Kate has over 25 years’ experience of writing for schools and the Department for Education. She has been involved in reading and test development and writing for the National Tests, and has curriculum development experience. Alongside qualifications such as: MEd in educational research (Cambridge); NPQH; CCET (certificate of competence in educational testing); Level 7 in Assessing and Teaching Specific Learning Difficulties, Kate is also a school improvement coach and Chair of Governors for KS1.
Marie Lallaway
Marie teaches in a middle school and has extensive experience as a curriculum leader for English across KS2–KS4. As well as contributing to the development of materials for national tests, she has created assessment materials for reading, writing and grammar across KS1–KS3 and has led marking and reporting processes for SATs-style tests across KS2.
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