Secondary Reading Comprehension Assessment Trial 2024

Places still available for Y12 and Y13 only!

What is a trial?

In a trial, students take an assessment containing new content, and the resulting data is analysed to select the fairest and most effective questions for use in the final version of the test.

Why is this content being developed?

The new content will go into the reading comprehension subtest of Exact, a literacy test that can be used as evidence to support exam access arrangement requests. We are continually updating and improving our products, and this update will modernise and improve the validity of this portion of the assessment.

What is involved in the trial?

Schools with pupils in years 9-13 (Scottish S3-S6 and Northern Irish Y10-Y14) are invited to participate in a digital trial of new reading comprehension content for Exact between 14 October and 20 December 2024.

1. Register to take part:

   Registration form - England and Wales

   Registration form - Scotland

   Registration form - Northern Ireland

2. Upload a pupil data template for scoring and reporting purposes.

3. Administer the digital tests at any time during the trialling window. The trial is untimed but normally takes around 15-30 minutes.

4. You will receive pupil reports after the trialling window has closed.

Please note: your pupil data will be used to analyse the effectiveness of the new assessment content but will not be shared externally outside of GL, except to provide you with reports for your own students. 

Why take part?

• It’s simple and easy to take part, and there is no cost involved. 

• You don’t need to do any marking and will receive pupil reports showing raw scores as well as percentile scores in relation to other trial participants.

• Your school will receive an incentive payment of £2.50 per pupil (capped at 100 pupils per year group).*

*Cash incentives are limited so early registration is advised. Tests must be completed before 20 December 2024.

Who is eligible to participate?

Mainstream UK schools with pupils in years 9-13 (Scottish S3-S6 and Northern Irish Y10-Y14).

What are the requirements to participate?

• A contact person at the school
• A data file with details of all participating pupils. We will provide instructions on how to transfer this securely.
• Pupils will need access to one of the devices listed below linked to a good network or wifi connection.
• Headphones will be needed for the introductory section.

What devices can be used?

• PCs/desktops

• iMacs

• Chromebooks 

A mouse is recommended. Headphones will be needed for the introductory section.

What kind of results will I receive?

You will receive each pupil's percentile score and broad ability band in comparison to the other participants in the trial. It is important to note that the trial sample is relatively small and may not be fully representative of the population, so these results will not be as statistically valid as those of a live, standardised test. 

How do I sign up?

Fill in the relevant form to register your interest, and we will be in touch with more details.

Registration form - England and Wales

Registration form - Scotland

Registration form - Northern Ireland

If you have questions or would like more information before registering, please email [email protected].