2nd, 4th and 6th class · May–JuneStandardised tests: STen scores explained
Every child in 2nd, 4th and 6th class takes standardised tests in English reading and maths in May or early June. Children in Gaelscoileanna also take a test in Irish reading. The tests compare your child with children of the same class across Ireland. You get the result as a STen score from 1 to 10.
Which test does the school use?
Schools choose one of the tests normed for children in Ireland.
| Test | Made by | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Drumcondra Primary Reading and Mathematics Tests | Educational Research Centre (ERC) | English reading and maths, on paper or on computer. There is also a Drumcondra test in Irish reading. |
| MICRA-T and SIGMA-T | CJ Fallon | MICRA-T covers English reading, SIGMA-T covers maths. |
Both report results as STen scores, so the meaning is the same whichever test your child takes.
When are the tests?
Every year in the same window, in your child's own classroom.
Standardised tests
Usually spread over a few sessions, in class, with the class teacher.
End-of-year report
The report shows your child's STen score in English reading and maths.
Education Passport (6th class)
The primary school sends 6th class results and a report to the post-primary school.
What is in the tests?
English reading
- Word meaning and vocabulary
- Understanding sentences and short texts
- Finding information and drawing conclusions
Maths
- Number and calculation
- Measures, shape and space
- Data and problem solving
Irish reading
- For children in Irish-medium schools only
What does a STen score mean?
STen stands for standard ten. Scores go from 1 to 10 and compare your child with children of the same class across Ireland. Move the slider to see what each score means.
A score shows how your child did on one test, on one day. Tiredness or nerves can affect it, so teachers read it alongside everything else they know.
More test guides
Sources
- NCCA: primary assessment and standardised testing (opens in a new tab)
- Educational Research Centre: Drumcondra tests (opens in a new tab)
- Department of Education and Youth (opens in a new tab)
Updated on 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.