Screening and standardised testing for learners of English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Introduction
According to 2022 School Census data, in England 21.2% of state-funded primary school pupils and 17.5% of state-funded secondary school pupils are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL). Throughout their education, many EAL learners are expected to complete the same screening tests as their monolingual peers. For younger learners, screening tests may focus on phonics whilst older learners may complete a range of standardised assessments such as group reading tests and Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATs).
