Kazakhstan to phase out СОР and СОЧ exams in grades 5-9 from next academic year

September 8, 2026 at 11:27 AM2 min

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Kazakhstan's Education Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova announced on September 8 that the ministry plans to phase out summative assessments for sections and quarters (СОР and СОЧ) in grades 5-9 starting next academic year. The move follows the removal of these assessments in primary grades this year. The ministry will later review the assessment system for grades 10-11.

Key Facts

Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova announced the plan at a government briefing on September 8, 2026.
The ministry plans to phase out СОР and СОЧ in grades 5-9 starting next academic year.
СОР and СОЧ were already removed for grades 1-4 from September 1, 2026.
A dedicated assessment department has been created at the Ybyrai Altynsarin National Academy of Education.
The ministry plans to review the assessment system for grades 10-11 after the next academic year.

Announcement and Timeline

Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova announced the plan at a government briefing on September 8, 2026. She said the ministry will phase out СОР and СОЧ in grades 5-9 starting next academic year. The ministry will later review the assessment system for grades 10-11. Suleimenova said the ministry is preparing analytical and methodological materials for teachers.

Primary School Precedent

СОР and СОЧ were removed for grades 1-4 from September 1, 2026. The ministry conducted a full analysis of primary school programs and student performance this year. The ministry increased the role of formative assessment, which involves daily student work and responses. The ministry explained that СОР and СОЧ did not fully reflect primary students' achievements and created additional academic and emotional burden.

Assessment Department and Preparation

A dedicated assessment department has been created at the Ybyrai Altynsarin National Academy of Education. The department is preparing analytical materials, assessment criteria, and mark schemes for teachers. Suleimenova said similar preparation is needed before removing СОР and СОЧ in grades 5-9. The ministry plans to review the assessment system for grades 10-11 after the next academic year.