For formative assessment the evidence is interpreted in relation to the progress of a pupil towards the goals of a particular section of work.Next steps are decided according to what has been achieved and what problems have been encountered. The interpretation is in terms of what to do to help further learning, not what level or grade a pupil has reached. For summative purposes, common criteria need to be applied and achievement is summarised in terms of levels
or grades, which must have the same meaning for all pupils. This means that if the information already gathered and used formatively is to be used for summative assessment it must be reviewed against the broader criteria that define reporting levels or grades. Change over time can be taken into account so that preference is given to the best evidence that shows the pupil’s
achievement across a range of work during the period covered by the summative assessment.