PiRA and PUMA KS3 FAQs

When is Pira KS3 and PUMA KS3 being discontinued?

PiRA KS3 and PUMA KS3 will be discontinued at the end of this academic year on 26/07/24.

Can I still purchase test papers before that date?

Yes. You will be able to purchase test papers for the final term of the school year up to that date. However, you will not be able to purchase test papers after the 26/07/24.

Is it just the papers that are being discontinued?

No. Everything related to PiRA/PUMA KS3 will be discontinued including the supporting manual and the specific reports in MARK.

What is happening with my student data?

You will have until December to download your data from your MARK account. We will be deleting all historic data on 31/12/24 in accordance with our Data Retention Policy.

What if I have shaped the curriculum I teach around PiRA/PUMA KS3?

We know and appreciate that some teachers have changed their curricula to match the curriculum map in PiRA/PUMA KS3. Our alternative KS3 tests – Access Reading Tests and Access Mathematics Tests – are designed to work alongside all major curricula and are skills-based assessments. You can easily map them onto your custom curricula.

Why is PiRA/PUMA KS3 being discontinued?

We have listened to schools, teachers and pupils and developed a new KS3 assessments that better align with commonly taught curricula and have been developed and standardised in 2023/24. We believe that our Access Reading Tests and Access Mathematics Tests are better suited to teaching at KS3, and as such are now directing schools towards this freshly developed assessment in its place.

What will happen to my reports in MARK?

As MARK is also being discontinued, unfortunately your visualised reports will be no longer be available. However, the data you have gathered over the years will be available to download until the 31/12/24.

How are Access Reading Tests and Access Mathematics Tests different to PiRA/PUMA KS3?

The new assessments have a few key differences that we believe work better for secondary school teachers.

• Test twice a year using parallel forms instead of testing termly. This approach gives your teachers, TAs, SENCo more time to implement the interventions and make sure they have maximum impact. It also reduces the testing burden on students.
• Pairs with our intervention offering, Shine Interventions. After performing a gap or strand analysis online, you can quickly access targeted interventions.
• More advanced reporting in our new platform, Boost Insights

You can learn more about Access Reading Tests and Access Mathematics Tests by visiting their webpages.

How long is the exclusive offer valid for?

If you are a current PiRA/PUMA KS3 customer, you can claim your exclusive offer of 10% off your new assessments if you pre-order before the 12/7/24. We will also give you automatic access to a 30-day free trial of the Shine Interventions modules when they launch in October. Claim your discount here.

Who can I speak to if I have any concerns not mentioned here?

If you wish to speak to someone about this, please contact customer support on 01724 410 149 or raise a ticket on our support portal. You can also reach out directly to your local assessment sales consultant.