National Reading and Numeracy Test

Dear Parent/Carer, 

The National Reading and Numeracy Tests will be taking place between 25th April and 9th May 2018. The Welsh Government requires that all pupils in Years 2-9 undertake the tests. The Welsh Government is responsible for processing the tests results and reporting them back to schools; the school is responsible for the administration and marking of the tests. 

Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils will sit practice papers for these tests under exam conditions to prepare the pupils for the experience of the Welsh Government tests. The practice tests will take place on:


Practise papers for the national tests

Year 7 - Tuesday 17th April

Year 8 - Wednesday 18th April

Year 9 - Thursday 19th April


The National Reading and Numeracy Tests must be taken during a set period and it is vitally important that pupils are present in school on the required dates. Please see below the dates for your child’s tests at Aberdare Community School:


National Reading and Numeracy Tests


Year 7    
Thursday 26th April - Numeracy – Reasoning Paper
Tuesday 1st May    - Numeracy – Procedural Paper
Friday 4th May - Reading Paper

Year 8
Thursday 26th April (Sets 1, 3 and 5) - Numeracy – Reasoning Paper
Wednesday 25th April (Sets 2 and 4) - Numeracy – Reasoning Paper    
Monday 30th April - Numeracy – Procedural Paper
Thursday 3rd May - Reading Paper

Year 9    
Wednesday 25th April - Numeracy – Reasoning Paper
Friday 27th April - Numeracy – Procedural Paper
Wednesday 2nd May - Reading Paper


Pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9 have been preparing for the tests and will continue to receive support and guidance until the tests take place. Please encourage your child to prepare at home for these tests during the next few weeks. 

The National Reading Test will consist of a number of passages followed by short, closed response and multiple choice type questions. The National Numeracy Test is split into two sections. The Procedural Paper assesses knowledge of numerical procedure such as the four number operations, equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages of work on area and volume. The Reasoning Paper assesses pupils’ ability to apply this knowledge to everyday problems.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child gets the very best out of this process.


Yours sincerely
Mr A Davies
Assistant Headteacher