Cognitive Abilities Test: Fourth

Edition & CAT4 Young Learners

Primary

Sample
Reports

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A whole pupil approach to assessment

GL Assessment has worked in partnership

with schools for over 30 years to develop a
range of assessments that support better
outcomes for pupils. We believe in a whole
pupil approach to assessment, which
alongside a teacher’s judgement, can
provide a powerful and objective all-round
view of an individual learner.
We have combined the power of our assessments to
support schools in implementing a whole pupil
approach. Our Complete Digital Solution provides
critical insight across the following three areas:

Ability
To indicate a learner’s potential performance

Attainment
To show where the learner is now and what you can
do to support their highest possible achievement

Barriers to learning
To identify barriers that prevent a learner from
achieving their greatest possible potential.

For further information, please visit www.gl-assessment.co.uk/cds

Assessment timeline
Here is an example of one possible timeline below.

Cognitive Abilities Test: Fourth Edition (CAT4)

New Group Reading Test (NGRT) – Form A Progress Test Series

(PT Series) – Summer
Terms Levels
Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Screeners Digital

Baseline
Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) – 1st Survey
Progress

Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June

Kirkland Rowell Surveys (KRS) New Group Reading Pupil Attitudes to Self and
Test (NGRT) – Form B School (PASS) – 1st Survey

Single Word Spelling Test (SWST)

Baseline

Progress Test Series (PT Series) – Autumn Terms Levels

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 Introduction to the
Cognitive Abilities Test: Fourth Edition (CAT4)

CAT4 is the fourth edition of GL Assessment’s CAT4 is designed to support schools in understanding
well established Cognitive Abilities Test, the pupils’ developed abilities, likely academic potential and

UK’s most widely used test of reasoning learning preferences. It does this by assessing a pupil’s
ability to reason with and manipulate different types of
abilities.
material through a series of Verbal, Non-verbal,
. Quantitative and Spatial Reasoning tasks. Results from
CAT4 can help in intervention, monitoring progress and
setting targets for future attainment. Aimed at pupils
between 7:06 to 17+ years, CAT4 is available in both paper
NEED and digital formats and can be administered individually
MORE ADVICE?
or in a group setting.
For help and advice or
to arrange a no-obligation While the premise of CAT4 has remained exactly the
demonstration of CAT4, same, we have made some significant changes to the new
please call +44 (0)330 123 5375 edition based on the latest cognitive research and
or send an email to extensive customer feedback. One of the most exciting
[email protected]. features of CAT4 is the development of a brand new suite
of reports, offering richer and more comprehensive
assessment data. Users can select from a range of eight
new reports with specific audiences in mind and the
inclusion of more narrative makes the reports much easier
to read and understand. As for the test itself, one of the
main changes is an increased focus on spatial ability with
the introduction of a separate test battery. To ensure
rigour CAT4 was standardised on 25,000 Primary and
Secondary pupils in Autumn 2011.

Contents
5 – Introduction to
CAT4 Young Learners
6 – CAT4 Reports Overview
8 – CAT4 Group report for teachers
16 – CAT4-YL Group report for teachers
18 – CAT4 Individual student report for
teachers
23 – CAT4-YL Individual student report for
teachers
26 – CAT4 Individual report for students
29 – CAT4 Individual report for parents
35 – CAT4 Summary report for senior
leaders
43 – Area Consultants

4 T: +44 (0)330 123 5375 www.gl-assessment.co.uk/cat4

Introduction to CAT4 Young Learners

CAT4 Young Learners (CAT4-YL) is a Together these four tests provide teachers with a
shortened paper version of the Cognitive comprehensive understanding of the core abilities related

Abilities Test: Fourth Edition (CAT4), enabling to learning. These abilities are:

the assessment of pupils in Years 2 and 3 in • reasoning with words or ‘verbal reasoning’
England and Wales and Primary 3 and Primary
4 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. • reasoning with numbers or ‘quantitative reasoning’

CAT4-YL assesses the ability to think about and deal with • reasoning with shapes and designs or ‘nonverbal
different types of material. It comprises four tests that reasoning ability’
assess the main types of mental processing which play a
• thinking with and mentally manipulating precise shapes
substantial role in human thought.
or ‘spatial ability’.

In primary schools, pupils' cognitive development - their

ability to gather, sort and process information in order to
develop perception, thinking skills and problem solving -
will be affected by their surroundings and experience as
well as what and how they are taught. At this young age,
children are developing abilities that will be of use across
a range of educational and everyday situations
throughout their lives. This is why CAT4-YL has been
created: to allow early identification of strengths and
areas for development, so that pupils can be provided
with the mental tool-kits they need for success and the
confidence that comes from knowing that they have what
it takes to succeed. The set of four scores obtained from
assessment with CAT4-YL provides a profile of a student’s
level and pattern of abilities, as well as providing an
overall summary score of his or her reasoning abilities
across the four areas.

"CAT gives us a robust and reliable

measure of ability. There's a tangible
difference between low- attaining
children and those not fulfilling their
potential, and we want to start by
addressing the latter."
Gary Mattewson, Principal, Holy Family Primary
School.

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 CAT4 Reports Overview

Communicating CAT4 results

through reporting

Following extensive market research and Schools purchasing CAT4 Young Learners, will benefit
customer feedback on CAT3, we have from an all-inclusive price of £6 per pupil. This includes

developed a brand new suite of reports for pupil booklets, all reports (excluding the PowerPoint
presentation for senior leaders) and administration
CAT4. These new reports are not only tailored
instructions.
to specific audiences but offer richer and far
more comprehensive assessment data. You The inclusion of more narrative makes the reports much
can view examples throughout this booklet. easier to read and understand, supporting the
interpretation of the data further. Designed with specific
Users of both the paper and digital editions of CAT4 will
audiences in mind, the reports appear in a range of
automatically receive a Group report for teachers as part
different formats from PowerPoint® presentations for
of GL Assessment’s Scoring and Analysis Service and
school leadership teams and governing bodies to easy-to-
through Testwise (please note that CAT4 paper users must
understand reports for parents and pupils. These explain
subscribe to the Scoring and Analysis Service as CAT4 is
what the data mean and how pupils can be supported in
no longer available for hand scoring). The user-friendly
their learning, both at home and at school.
Group report for teachers provides a group level analysis
of the selected group or cohort of pupils. In addition, Users of both the CAT4 paper and digital editions will
users can also choose from a range of seven additional automatically receive the:
reports, which can be purchased separately.
• CAT4 Group report for teachers

In addition, users will be able to choose from a range of

seven additional reports, which can be purchased
“If we see from a pupil’s CAT score that a separately:
pupil has potential that is not reflected
by their attainment, we know that the • CAT4 Individual report for teachers
child may be coasting. We set ambitious
• CAT4 Individual report for students
targets; we all need to be challenged.”
• CAT4 Individual report for parents
Siobhan Minford, Holy Cross Primary School in
Whitwick, Leicestershire • CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

• CAT4 Summary presentation for senior leaders – this is

in PowerPoint® format (not available for CAT4-YL).

• CAT4 Excel report (free for digital users)

• CAT4 Cluster report.

Examples of the brand new suite of reports are featured

Compare performance throughout this booklet.
using the standard age score across
abilities with attainment. The CAT4
Combination report takes data on pupil
ability from CAT4 and on attainment
from Progress Test in Maths (PTM) and
Progress Test in English (PTE). It can
also include data on reading from
the New Group Reading Test (NGRT)
and is free for CAT4 users.

6
CAT4 Reports Overview

Example results

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 CAT4 Group report for teachers

CAT4 Group report for teachers

The CAT4 Group report for teachers is a

comprehensive report that provides a group
level analysis of a selected group or cohort of
pupils. It can be used by any practitioner, be
it a subject teacher, form teacher, head of
year, learning support practitioner or gifted
and talented coordinator. The report will help
when communicating results and,
importantly, learning biases among pupils in
different teaching groups. This may allow
those with similar or contrasting profiles to
be taught together with mutual benefits.

The report includes:

• An assessment overview – An easy to understand

overview with details of why CAT4 is used, with
examples of questions from each part of the test.

• Scores for the group – A simple table highlighting key

group scores. It outlines the individual pupil names,
number of questions they have each attempted, their
Standard Age Scores (SAS) and their Group Ranking
(GR).

• Analysis of group scores (by battery) – Analysis of

group’s scores by each part of CAT4, presented in easy-
to-use tables allowing users to compare their pupils’
results with the national sample.

• Student profiles – A new colour-coded chart shows the

9 – What is CAT4? – Level B
distribution of a group of pupils across seven profile
types, indicating their preference for learning. This 11 – Scores for the group – Level B
section then explains the general characteristics of each 12 – Analysis of group scores – Level B
profile type, compares group results to the national
13 – Student profiles – Level B
sample and lists the individual pupil names within each
profile. The Individual report for teachers then takes this 14 – General characteristics of each
to the next stage, with actionable implications for student profile – Level B
teaching and learning provided for each pupil. 15 – KS2 indicators – Level B

• Indicators – Group indicator tables are provided for KS1 16 – Scores for the group – CAT4-YL
and KS2. CAT4 now provides two levels of indicators – 17 – KS1 Indicators – CAT4-YL
‘most likely’ and ‘if challenged’ – the level a pupil could
reach with additional effort and challenge, which is
helpful when discussing the targets they should be
working towards.

8
CAT4 Group report for teachers

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 CAT4 Group report for teachers

10
 Pupils can be listed If you list pupils by
by forename, mean SAS the
surname or mean group rank will be
SAS in descending
order
CAT4 Group report for teachers

The report can be

generated for a
whole year group
and again also by
tutor group so that
results for a specific
set of pupils can be

T: +44 (0)330 123 5375

provided efficiently
to the form tutor

The mean SAS is useful when considering how

a pupil has performed across the range of
If a score seems

www.gl-assessment.co.uk/cat4
abilities, all of which contribute to learning.
unexpectedly low,
However a mean score may mask high or low
check that the pupil

11
scores in parts of CAT4
attempted all the
questions
 CAT4 Group report for teachers

12
CAT4 Group report for teachers

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 CAT4 Group report for teachers

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CAT4 Group report for teachers

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 CAT4 Young Learners Group report for teachers

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CAT4 Young Learners Group report for teachers

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 CAT4 Individual report for teachers

CAT4 Individual report for teachers

The CAT4 Individual student report for

teachers provides in-depth analysis of an
individual pupil’s results along with a focus
on how they can be helped to achieve their
potential. The narrative that is now part of
the report includes implications for teaching
and learning, which offer brief insights into
how different levels of ability combined with
learning preferences may affect a pupil’s
learning. It is hoped that simple adjustments
based on CAT4 results and other information
about the pupil can improve outcomes. It can
be used by any practitioner, be it a subject
teacher, form teacher, head of year, learning
support practitioner or gifted and talented
coordinator.

The report includes:

• An assessment overview – An easy to understand

overview with details of why CAT4 is used, with
examples of questions from each part of the test.

• Example results – A visual guide to the scores table

with an explanation of what is being shown and
definitions where required.

• Scores – A detailed breakdown of scores for each pupil,

including their Standard Age Scores (SAS) with
confidence bands, National Percentile Rank, stanines
19 – Why use CAT4? – Level B
and Group Ranking (GR).
20 – Individual scores, profile summary
• Profile summary – A pupil’s score is plotted on the and implications for teaching and
profile chart and a dynamic explanation of their profile learning – Level B
type is given.
22 – KS2 indicators – Level B
• Implications for teaching and learning – Based on the 23 – Individual scores, profile summary
pupil’s CAT4 scores, dynamic narrative outlines how the and implications for teaching and
pupil can best be supported by teachers to ensure they learning – CAT4-YL
achieve their potential.
25 – KS1 indicators – CAT4-YL

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CAT4 Individual report for teachers

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 CAT4 Individual report for teachers

20
CAT4 Individual report for teachers

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 CAT4 Individual report for teachers

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CAT4 Young Learners Individual report for teachers

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 CAT4 Young Learners Individual report for teachers

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CAT4 Young Learners Individual report for teachers

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 CAT4 Individual report for students

CAT4 Individual report for students

The CAT4 Individual report for students

provides pupils with an explanation of their
CAT4 results and where their strengths and
weaknesses lie. It is important for all pupils
to understand that the information gained
from CAT4 testing can form the basis of plans
for their future development, which they
themselves can take some control over. The
report not only promotes self-reflection, but
provides pupils with ideas for maximising
their learning preferences.
The report includes:

• An assessment overview – An easy to understand

overview with details of why CAT4 is used, with
examples of questions from each part of the test.

• Scores – A pupil-friendly overview of their scores for

each test battery, showing whether they are below
average, average or above average enabling the pupil to
see where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

• Summary – A series of bullet points explain to the pupil

what their CAT4 scores show and offer
recommendations of how they can nurture their
strengths and improve on their weaker areas.

• Indicators – Pupil-friendly table(s) provide indicators of

future attainment at KS1 and KS2. Comparisons across
subject areas can be made easily.

27 – Individual scores – Level B

28 – KS2 indicators – Level B

26
CAT4 Individual report for students

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 CAT4 Individual report for students

28
CAT4 Individual report for parents

CAT4 Individual report for parents

The CAT4 Individual report for parents

provides parents with an overview of CAT4,
an explanation of their child’s results and
where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
Developed to support the routine reporting
to parents, the narrative text included within
the report is designed to help parents
understand their child’s profile of results and
what actions they can take to further their
learning. In this way, CAT4 can be used as an
effective tool for reinforcing school-based
learning activities at home.

• An assessment overview – An easy to understand

overview with details of why CAT4 is used, with examples
of questions from each part of the test.

• Scores – A parent-friendly overview of their child’s

scores for each test battery, showing whether they are
below average, average or above average enabling the
parent to see where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

• Summary – A profile description with written

recommendations to help improve parent
understanding of their child’s learning preference, with
suggestions for how to offer support at home.

• Indicators – Parent-friendly table(s) provide indicators

of future attainment at KS1 and KS2.

30 – What is CAT4? – Level B

31 – Individual scores - Level B
32 – KS2 indicators – Level B

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 CAT4 Individual report for parents

30
CAT4 Individual report for parents

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 CAT4 Individual report for parents

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CAT4 Individual report for parents

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 CAT4 Individual report for parents

34
CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

CAT4 Summary report for senior

leaders

The CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

provides high levels of analysis of a selected
cohort or group’s performance against the
national average. The report is designed for
use by head teachers, senior leadership
teams and governing bodies. It is important
to recognise that CAT4 results can be
relevant to a range of other professionals
who are involved with pupils’ welfare and
development and therefore this report
provides an overall snapshot of a
cohort/group’s ability. Some colleagues may
have a limited knowledge of testing and so
the introductory text that forms part of the
report will be useful in giving a quick
overview and an example of the test material
in CAT4.

The report includes:

• An assessment overview – An easy to understand

overview with details of why CAT4 is used, with
examples of questions from each part of the test.

• Group Analysis – A detailed analysis of the

cohort/group scores compared to the national average,
with analysis by battery, gender and ethnicity, and
further options available as specified. 36 – Group analysis by battery
– Level B
• Student Profiles – A profile chart indicating the learning
37 – Group analysis by Special
preferences for all pupils in the cohort/group with
Educational Need – Level B
supporting explanations.
38 – Distribution of scores by EAL –
• Indicators – Group indicator tables showing likely Level B
distribution of levels/grades and percentage of cohort
39 – Student profiles – Level B
expected to obtain certain levels/grades.
40 – General characteristics of each
• Note, a Summary presentation for senior leaders is student profile – Level B
also available in PowerPoint® format, ideal for sharing
41 – KS2 indicators – Level B
key findings with a wider audience. (Not available for
CAT4-YL).

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 CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

Group analysis is available

for other criteria such as
gender, ethnicity, free
school meals, special
educational needs and
English as an additional
language.

36
CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

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 CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

38
 CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

T: +44 (0)330 123 5375

www.gl-assessment.co.uk/cat4
Each pupil is plotted on the graph to give
you an instant visual representation of the

39
spread of abilities and types of profiles
within your group
 CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

40
CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

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 Area Consultants
CAT4 Summary report for senior leaders

42
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