Parent guide

GL Progress Tests: English, maths and science

Near the end of the school year, many UAE children sit GL's Progress Test Series in English, maths and science. Here's what they measure, who takes them, and how they differ from CAT4.

What are the Progress Tests?

The Progress Test Series is a set of GL Education tests of what children have learned in three subjects. Each test is tailored to the child's age, and results are compared with national averages, so teachers can see how pupils compare with schools across the country. Only schools can buy them. [1] [2] [3]

Test	What it covers	Ages
Progress Test in English (PTE)	Spelling, grammar and punctuation, and reading comprehension of fiction and non-fiction. Phonics for the youngest. [4] [1]	5 to 14+ [4]
Progress Test in Maths (PTM)	Number, shape, data handling and algebra, plus reasoning and problem solving. Mental maths from age 8. [2]	4 to 14+ [2]
Progress Test in Science (PTS)	Knowledge and understanding of science, applying it, and working scientifically. [3]	7 to 14+ [3]

What happens on the day?

Formal test conditions, but no time limit. Children get as long as they need. [1] [2]
It can be split up. Schools can run a test over two or more sessions, with breaks. [1] [2]
Questions go to the school. GL asks parents with concerns to contact the school. [1]

Who takes them in the UAE, and when?

In GL's 2026–27 UAE guidance: [5]

Dubai: KHDA expects all pupils in Grades 3 to 9 (Years 4 to 10) to take them, in a window from 3 May to 11 June 2027.
Abu Dhabi: ADEK asks private schools to run online standardised benchmark tests in maths, science and English. Progress Testing covers Grade 3 (Year 4) to Grade 9 (Year 10), between 3 May and 11 June.

Schools set their own dates inside the window, and curriculum schools such as CBSE schools follow different arrangements, so the school's letter is the best guide.

How are they different from CAT4?

	Progress Tests	CAT4
Measures	What has been learned in English, maths and science	How a child reasons with words, numbers, shapes and space
Linked to lessons?	Yes, to the curriculum	No, it isn't taught directly
Timed?	No	Yes
Usual time of year in Dubai	May to June	August to November

More on CAT4 in our guide to CAT4 in the UAE.

How can I help?

Our suggestions

These tests check normal schoolwork, so there's nothing special to revise. Keep up regular reading, everyday maths (cooking, shopping, timetables) and homework. Reassure your child that there's no time pressure: they can take their time and check their answers.

Edzuno doesn't offer Progress Test practice: the questions test your school's curriculum, and we only make reasoning practice.

Questions parents ask

Can my child revise for the GL Progress Tests?

They test what your child has learned from the curriculum, so normal schoolwork is the preparation. GL gives no revision advice, and the tests are untimed, so there's no need to rush.

Which grades take the Progress Tests in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

In GL's 2026–27 UAE guidance, KHDA expects Grades 3 to 9 (Years 4 to 10) in Dubai to take them, and Abu Dhabi's Progress Testing also covers Grade 3 to Grade 9. The window is in May and June.

Are the Progress Tests timed?

No. They are sat under formal test conditions, but children get as long as they need, and the school can split a test over two or more sessions.

Do Progress Test results count towards my child's grades?

That's up to each school, so ask yours. GL describes the results as a way for teachers to spot who needs extra support or challenge, find patterns across a class, and track progress from year to year.

How are the Progress Tests different from CAT4?

The Progress Tests measure what a child has learned in English, maths and science. CAT4 measures how a child reasons, which isn't taught directly.

Other GL tests

NGRT reading test · CAT4 test day · CAT4 glossary

Sources

Edzuno is independent and not affiliated with GL Education (GL Assessment), KHDA or ADEK. CAT4 is a trademark of GL Education.