NTS Reading: A proven indicator of future reading attainment

NTS Reading is a termly, standardised, National Test-style assessment for Years 1 to 6, designed to benchmark progress and attainment in reading against national averages.

Confidently predict, monitor and improve reading outcomes against national standards

Our 2026 SAT Validation Trial for NTS Reading identified strong positive correlations with SAT results, demonstrating that NTS Reading is a dependable indicator of end-of-key-stage outcomes, helping schools identify learners at risk and those capable of greater depth attainment long before statutory assessments take place. 

Independent statistical analysis was conducted on real classroom assessment data during the 2025–2026 school year to test whether NTS Reading maintains its statistical validity over time.

The trial sample analysed nearly 500 Year 6 learners compared directly against KS2 SAT reading outcomes and more than 100 Year 2 learners compared directly against KS1 SAT reading outcomes.

This independent statistical analysis reconfirmed the validity of NTS Reading as an indicator of reading attainment.

Key findings from the validation research:

• NTS Reading demonstrates statistically significant correlations with SAT Reading outcomes -  up to 0.89 against KS1 Reading and up to 0.71 against KS2 Reading - providing senior leaders and assessment leads with a trusted predictor of SAT success.
   
• NTS Performance Indicators demonstrate high predictive accuracy - up to 95% for the Year 6 cohort sample - for identifying learners who may not meet expected standards and intervene before SATs. This means schools can identify most learners who are likely to meet national expectations and put timely interventions in place.

Aligned to national standards

NTS Performance Indicator thresholds map learner outcomes directly to national reporting categories: Working Towards, Working At and Working at Greater Depth. By using benchmarks aligned to national standards, senior leaders, assessment leads, and MAT leaders gain a consistent framework interpreting attainment and tracking progress throughout the year.

Because outcomes are linked to recognised national standards, schools can also conduct confident evidence-backed progress conversations with senior leaders, governors, Trust assessment leads and parents. 

Conclusion

Validated against KS1 and KS2 SAT outcomes, NTS Reading gives schools an early, reliable, and actionable indicator of future reading attainment. 

NTS Reading provides schools and leaders with:

• A trusted predictor of SAT success built on real learner performance data
• Accurate indicators of learners who require support or intervention to meet the expected standard
• Consistent benchmarks to align classroom assessment with national standards.

Find out more or contact your local representative to discuss NTS Reading in more detail.