ABSTRACT
It is important to assess pupils when they begin their secondary education so their differing needs can be addressed and appropriate challenge and support targeted quickly. A good identification strategy in a secondary school starts at school level and is then refined by individual departments. Many secondary schools now try to draw up an initial ‘more able cohort’ in the first half term of Year 7. Very often they use a variety of information to produce as accurate a picture as possible, including:
● test information, including both raw SATs scores, which give an indication of attainment, and CATs (Cognitive Ability Tests) or MidYIS, which might reveal either overall potential or strengths in verbal, numerical or non-verbal abilities
● information from parents
● feeder school recommendations
● information from agencies such as sports clubs and music schools.
