Testing in Northern Emirates
Guidance for testing with GL Education’s assessments is set out below along with recommendations for additional assessments that will help schools in developing a more complete picture of their students’ learning needs.
Testing windows
We encourage all schools carry out ability assessments with CAT4, and standardised benchmark assessments with their Progress Tests in mathematics, science, and English.
Assessment |
Window Opens |
Window Closes |
CAT4 |
28th August 2023 |
17th November 2023 |
Progress Test Series |
29th April 2024 |
28th June 2024 |
Ability testing with CAT4 – academic year 2023/24
The window for CAT4 ability testing will be 28th August 2023 - 17th November 2023.
We recommend schools test with CAT4 this academic year in order to attain a reliable measure of their students’ ability. Testing with CAT4 will provide you with a unique profile of your students’ strengths and areas for development, ensuring that you know your students’ potential and can therefore set challenging but realistic targets.
The recommended grades for CAT4 testing are grades 3, 5, 7 and 9 or years 4, 6, 8 and 10.
New schools that have not previously tested with CAT4 are advised to test all their students from grade 3-9 (years 4 -10).
Schools that use CAT4 are eligible to use GL Education’s Value-Added service, at no additional cost. Find out more here.
Refer to the table below to identify the appropriate test for each year.
CAT4 Level |
Grade |
Year |
X |
1 |
2 |
Pre-A |
2 |
3 |
A |
3 |
4 |
B |
4 |
5 |
C |
5 |
6 |
D |
6 |
7 |
E |
7 |
8 |
F |
8 /9 |
9 / 10 |
G |
10 / 11 |
11 / 12 |
Benchmark testing with the PT Series – academic year 2023/24
We encourage all schools carry out standardised benchmark assessments with their students in mathematics, science, and English.
The testing should take place between 29th April and 28th June 2024.
Which students to test in April/June
To support schools in the Northern Emirates, our Progress Tests in maths, English and science are encouraged for schools following the UK and IB curriculums.
Schools are encouraged to test students in the following grades/years:
- Grades 3, 5, 7 and 9 or
- Years 4, 6, 8 and 10
Refer to the below table to identify the appropriate test for each grade / year.
Find out more about the Progress Test Series here.
Year (UK) |
Grade (IB, Others) |
Progress Test Maths |
Progress Test English |
Progress Test Science |
2 |
1 |
7 |
7 |
n/a |
3 |
2 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
5 |
4 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
6 |
5 |
11 |
11 |
11 |
7 |
6 |
12 |
12 |
Not Required |
8 |
7 |
13 |
13 |
13 |
9 |
8 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
10 |
9 |
15 |
15 |
15 |
Updating Student Records
During registration, schools must clearly identify all Emirati students. Click here for further guidance on how to achieve this on the Testwise platform.
How to order
Email [email protected] with your testing requirements.