REPORTS AND EXAMS
This section of the website is currently being updated. Additional information about our reporting cycles, assessments, and examination arrangements will be added soon. Please check back for the latest updates.
Assessment and Progress
At Cwmbran High School, we are committed to keeping pupils, parents and carers fully informed about assessment points and pupil progress throughout the year. This page explains when assessments take place, how reporting works, and how families can support pupils during key assessment and examination periods.
Assessment
Assessment plays an important role in helping teachers understand how pupils are progressing, identify strengths, and provide the right support and challenge.
Pupils in Years 7 and 9 will complete CAT4 assessments as part of our wider approach to understanding learning and setting minimum expected grades.
CAT4 results are only one piece of the overall picture and are considered alongside classwork, teacher assessment, and other evidence of learning.
Progress Reporting
Throughout the school year, pupils receive a series of Progress Reports, which provide clear information on:
• Minimum Expected Grades and progress indicators
• Attitude to learning
• Engagement and behaviour
• Teacher comments (where applicable)
Following each report, pupils review their progress with both their class teacher and form tutor. Parents and carers are encouraged to review reports together with their child and contact the school if further clarification or support is needed.
Assessments and Examinations
Each year group completes a range of assessments to help teachers understand progress, identify next steps, and ensure pupils get the support they need to succeed.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
- STAR Reading
- National Reading
- National Numeracy and Procedural
- CAT4
- Subject area assessments
Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)
Pupils’ complete mock exams to prepare for external qualifications. These exams take place in formal exam conditions, helping pupils build confidence and exam readiness. The mock examinations are conducted in line with JCQ requirements to provide pupils with as real as possible experience of the formal external examinations.
External Exams (GCSE and Vocational Qualifications)
Revision materials and subject‑specific guidance are made available through departments and the school website. Individual timetables are issued to all pupils and shared with parents/carers. They will contain the title, date, time and room of the exam along with the pupil seat number.
Support During Assessment and Exam Periods
We offer a range of support to ensure pupils feel confident and prepared:
- Revision sessions led by subject teachers
- Study skills workshops
- Wellbeing check‑ins
- Guidance on managing stress, organisation, and time management
Families will receive full details ahead of each exam period.
Annual Overview (Months Only)
| Month | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| September | KS3 Information Evening | STAR Reading Assessment | KS3 Information Evening | KS4 Information Evening | KS4 Information Evening |
| October | Meet the Form Tutor Evening Progress Report 1 issued | — | Progress Report 1 issued | Progress Report 1 issued | Progress Report 1 issued |
| November | Progress Review with Form Tutor | Classroom Assessment Fortnight | Classroom Assessment Fortnight | Parents Evening | Progress Review with Form Tutor |
| December | Progress Report 1 (Teacher only) | Progress Report 1 issued | Progress Report 1 issued | Mock Examinations | — |
| January | National Tests & STAR Reading | National Tests & STAR Reading | National Tests & STAR Reading | Progress Report 2 + Review | Progress Report 2 (Mock results) |
| February | — | — | — | Parents Evening | Full Report to Parents |
| March | — | Parents Evening + Full Report | Parents Evening + Full Report | Summer Mock Assessments | Classroom Assessment Fortnight |
| April | — | National Tests & STAR Reading | National Tests & STAR Reading | Parents Evening Progress Report 3 +Review | Progress Report 3 +Review |
| May | Progress Report 2 + Review | Progress Report 2 + Review | Progress Report 2 + Review | 7th External Exams Begin | 7th External Exams Begin |
| June | — | National Tests & STAR Reading | National Tests & STAR Reading | 16th External Exams End + Full Report | 16th External Exams End |
| July | Full Report to Parents | Full Report to Parents | Full Report to Parents | — | — |
| August | — | — | — | Results Day | Results Day |