Understanding CATS results Yr1

[UncleWalt]

My child was given various tests at pre-prep in Yr 1, including CATS, which is meant to quantify inherent ability, and PTMaths, PTEnglish, and reading and spelling, which are tests of knowledge. The CATS score was much the lowest (CATS 109, others 114-121) The teacher said this was odd and could not explain it; we would be grateful if anyone who knows these tests could share any opinions.

Many thanks.

Scores are standardised so 100 is an 'average' score so you can see your DC is scoring above average.

Just looking at the scores, it suggests they're quite ahead academically in reading and maths for their age and slightly further ahead than their natural ability would suggest. That could be due to having had a good early years experience, having being formally taught things at a younger age than would be expected, having bad a lot of input at home, just having a good day when the tests were done or any number of other things.

But both scores are good.

Thanks very much for your comment; from what you said, I wonder if the fact that DC is at a highly academic school means that the teaching & peer influence has pulled the knowledge scores up from the CATS one? (we don't do much at home ) so perhaps these results are an indicator that we chose the right school....

That said, all DC's scores are below average for the school & so self esteem's not great, and anxiety levels are a bit high. Bit of a dilemma.

100 is average, but I wouldn't class 109 as above average. Normally there's a band either side of 100 which is still classed as average. You'd want to be looking at 120+ to count it as above average.