At International School, we believe that assessment is not the end of learning, but the beginning of progress. With the Cambridge Primary curriculum, every child’s journey is understood, supported, and celebrated and assessment is an integral part of that growth. Thanks to the rigorous academic standards and Cambridge International accreditation, we follow the Cambridge Primary assessment framework, which is designed not only to measure achievement but also to support progress, celebrate strengths, and identify areas for improvement. Assessments are not about pressure or competition; they are tools that help teachers understand how each child is developing and how best to guide their next steps.

Ongoing Classroom Assessment

Throughout the year, teachers use continuous formative assessment to observe and record students’ progress in every subject. This includes:

• Classroom observation – noting how children respond in lessons, contribute to discussions, and apply skills in practical tasks.
• Formative tasks – quizzes, group projects, experiments, challenges, reading tasks, and creative assignments that provide insight into understanding.
• Teacher feedback – constructive comments given during lessons, helping children to reflect and improve immediately.

This ongoing assessment ensures that learning is personalised and in accordance with the students’ needs. Teachers can adapt their methods, provide additional support where needed, and stretch more able learners with greater challenges.

Cambridge Primary Progression Tests

Starting from Year 3, students sit the Cambridge Primary Progression Tests in core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science. These tests are created by Cambridge International, but organised and marked by qualified teachers using Cambridge’s high-quality and standardized materials. Progression tests are structured to international standards, ensuring results are reliable and comparable worldwide, but also flexible, because schools are allowed to decide when to administer them during the school year in our Academic Calendar, meaning the students won’t be overwhelmed with a wide range of tests in the short period of time.

Progression Tests provide clear, evidence-based feedback about a child’s strengths and areas to develop. Because they are marked internally, they are supportive rather than definitive, helping children become familiar with assessment without the pressure of external exams.

Cambridge Primary Checkpoint

At the end of Year 6, the final year of the Primary stage, students sit the Cambridge International Primary Checkpoint. This is an externally assessed test in English, Mathematics, and Science, designed to give a detailed picture of a child’s academic readiness for secondary school.

Checkpoint tests are scheduled and marked by the Cambridge International to ensure fairness and global consistency. After the marking period, students receive a detailed feedback report from Cambridge International in accordance with the iInternationally benchmarked results and standards that show how a child compares to learners worldwide.

It is important to note that the Checkpoint is not about pass or fail, as it is a diagnostic tool that helps to celebrate achievement and ensure that children enter the next stage of education with confidence. Checkpoint Statements of results are issued by Cambridge International.

Reports for Parents

At International School, we believe that communication with families is central to our educational philosophy, mission and vision. Therefore, parents receive a personalised report at the end of each semester that shows academic achievement, skill development and personalised feedback for their child.

Throughout the year, parents have access to the platform for parents and teachers in order to obtain clear information on progress in each subject, supported by test results and classroom observations, as well as on personal and social growth of their child, through comments on wellbeing, behaviour, and contribution to the school community. During regular meetings with parents, teachers tend to set clear targets for improvement and specific, practical goals to help children continue to progress.

Benefits for Children and Parents

For children: assessments are motivating, showing them what they have achieved and helping them to set goals. They gain confidence from understanding their own progress.

For parents: reports offer reassurance and transparency, keeping families fully informed and engaged in their child’s learning journey.

For teachers: results provide valuable insight, allowing them to tailor teaching and give every pupil the support or challenge they need.

A Supportive and Forward-Looking Approach

Assessments and reports at International School are not about ranking children or creating pressure. Instead, they are tools for growth, designed to ensure that every child receives the right balance of encouragement and challenge. By combining continuous assessment, annual Progression Tests, and the Cambridge Checkpoint, the programme provides a complete picture of development – one that guides pupils successfully into their next stage of learning.