About PTM

The Progress Test in Maths (PTM) is an attainment test that reflects current approaches to the assessment of Mathematics. Each test assesses key aspects of Maths appropriate to the age of the students, including Mental Maths for students aged 8-14. PTM measures students’ mathematical skills and knowledge in areas such as number, shape, data handling and algebra, as well as their mathematical reasoning and problem solving.

The Progress Test in Maths series consists of two suites of tests, covering the age range 4 to 14+ years. You can administer once a year choosing just one of the two forms, or you can test twice in the year to measure progress, retention of knowledge, effectiveness of interventions or provide a baseline. For more information on testing twice a year please consult Choosing a test type and level and When to test with PTM. 

Form A consists of 12 tests; 11 tests covering the age range 4 to 14+ years (PTM 5 to 15) and an additional test for students aged between 11 and 12 years, which can be used as a transition test on entry to secondary education (PTM 11T). 

Form B consists of 9 tests covering the age range 6 to 14+ years (PTM 7 to 15). 

Please see Choosing a test type and level for further details about the availability of test levels in different formats. 

The Progress Test in Maths series has been developed to a high specification and standardised on a nationwide sample of students in the UK, with a separate and additional standardisation in Northern Ireland. The tests yield both raw scores and standardised scores, which will provide teachers with much useful information that can be used for both formative and summative purposes: 

• To identify students who need additional support or extension work
• To identify patterns of performance and areas for development for the whole class 
• To compare students with others in the same age group nationally 
• To compare a student’s progress from one year to the next (where the preceding test in the series has been administered)
• To measure a student's baseline, progress, retention of effectiveness of interventions by testing twice in the academic year (please see When to test with PTM for further information)

• Assesses students’ knowledge, understanding and application in Maths
• Tracks progress at individual and cohort level
• Indicates possible gaps in learning
• Standardised on a large sample of students, with benchmarks verified each year based on analysis of over half a million students across all tests
• Two suites of tests allowing for greater flexibility and choice