International assessment studies

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
TIMSS is a worldwide research project which takes place every four years. It provides data about trends in mathematics and science achievement over time. NFER is the National Research Centre for TIMSS in England and Northern Ireland for the 2011 study which takes place in the summer. 

Progress in Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS)
This rigorous international survey takes place every five years, comparing the reading attainment and attitudes to reading of 9- and 10-year-old children worldwide. Previous surveys have involved over 200,000 pupils in over 40 countries. The 2011 survey, which takes place in the summer term, has 61 participating countries, 47 of which are also participating in TIIMSS.  NFER has administered all PIRLS surveys in the UK to date, and is involved in the development of the assessments used.

OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (OECD PISA)
OECD PISA is the world's biggest international education survey, involving schools and students in over 50 countries. It assesses the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds as they approach the end of compulsory education. NFER is currently administering the participation of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the 2012 survey, field testing for which is already underway.

The International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS)
ICCS involved nearly 40 countries worldwide, and was a once-in-a-decade opportunity to investigate young people’s awareness and views of the role of the citizen in local, national and international contexts. The survey took place in 2009, administered in England by NFER. 

European Survey on Language Competences  (ESLC)
ESLC is a European Union study of the modern foreign language skills of secondary school pupils aged 15. The languages in scope for testing in the survey are French, German, English, Italian and Spanish. Each participating country selects the two most commonly taught languages - for England this is French and German. NFER is carrying out the survey in England in 2011.

The International Survey of Adult Skills (ISAS)
ISAS is a collaboration between national governments and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It aims to find out about the different activities that adults do in their daily lives and to learn about their experiences of education and work. In the UK the study is led by NFER, in partnership with NatCen, TNS-BMRB and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. The main study takes place in 2011-2012, with results published in 2013.