Engaging assessment for young learners
Assessment should not be an intimidating experience. The Primary English Test is designed to make testing a positive and motivating experience for children aged 9 to 12. By moving away from traditional exam formats, we ensure that young learners can demonstrate their true ability in a low-stress environment.
A test structure designed for children
We understand that children perform best when they are relaxed and engaged. That is why our test feels more like an interactive activity than a formal exam. It covers the core skills of listening, reading, and speaking, but delivers them in a way that captures a child's imagination.
The test uses story-led tasks. Animations and friendly characters guide students through the questions, providing a narrative context that makes the tasks make sense.
It also uses adaptive technology. The difficulty of the questions adjusts automatically based on the child's answers. If a student answers correctly, the next question becomes slightly harder. If they struggle, it becomes easier. This ensures that every child is challenged at the right level without ever feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Benefits for early development
The Primary English Test provides more than just a score. It offers a clear snapshot of a child’s progress without the pressure associated with high-stakes exams.
- Supporting early development is key. The detailed results help teachers and parents identify strengths and areas for improvement early in a child’s education, allowing for targeted support before gaps widen.
- Building confidence is a core outcome. Because the format is engaging and the difficulty is personalised, students often leave the test with a sense of achievement. This encourages a positive attitude towards English that prepares them for the next levels of their education.
What teachers and students say
Feedback from our partner schools across Sub-Saharan Africa highlights how the test changes the perception of assessment.
Student, British Council Partner School, Nigeria - "The visuals and the story made it fun. It did not feel like a scary test at all."
Primary School Teacher, Kenya - "This gives us a fantastic baseline for our learners. We can see exactly where the gaps are before they move to high school. It is easier to engage younger children when they are exploring topics that excite them."