For parents and guardians
What is the PIRLS Field Trial?
The PIRLS study is carried out in 2 stages, a field trial and a main study, with different schools selected for each stage. The field trial (March 2025) includes a smaller sample of schools and pupils than the main study (2026). The field trial ensures that PIRLS 2026 assessments, questionnaires and processes work as well as possible prior to the main study - it is therefore a very important and influential part of the study.
What does PIRLS involve?
For your child, the PIRLS assessment involves participating in:
- An interactive onscreen assessment covering reading.
- A background questionnaire asking about their life, school and learning experiences.
No prior preparation or revision work is required for your child to be able to complete the assessment.
What are the benefits of PIRLS?
Participating in PIRLS offers a range of benefits both for pupils, and more broadly for education in Northern Ireland.
- Your child will contribute to a study that helps us better understand our education system.
- Your child will have experience of representing Northern Ireland in an international study and receive a certificate for doing so.
- Your child will be able to practise external assessment skills through a ‘low stakes’ online assessment.
- Your child will have the opportunity to practise their reading skills through an interesting and innovative online assessment.