The 360 Degree View of the Learner #

SWIFT is made up of 5 different digital tests assessing areas of reading, spelling, maths, working memory and processing speed. Unlike most other tests available SWIFT helps schools build a rounded and holistic picture of how a student learns, if and why they may struggle with school tasks, and what interventions may be appropriate and necessary for them.

Using SWIFT enables schools to gain a fast, holistic insight into each students strengths and weaknesses. This in turn helps make smarter decisions about interventions, supports, exam arrangements, and day-to-day classroom strategies, ensuring no learner is overlooked, and every student gets what they need to thrive.

Below is a brief overview of each of the 5 tests within SWIFT.

Test 1- Silent Reading Fluency #

This subtest measures how quickly and accurately a student can read text silently. In the classroom, strong silent reading fluency supports comprehension, enables students to keep pace with independent reading tasks, and reduces fatigue during exams.

Slow or inaccurate readers may struggle with understanding instructions and completing reading-based assignments on time. Assessing this area allows educators to identify students who may need reading strategies or timed-exam accommodations to access curriculum materials effectively.

Results from this test can be used to support extra time in exams in the UK.

How it works: Students are presented with short passages on-screen and given a fixed time to read silently. Upon completion, they answer simple comprehension prompts (i.e. multiple-choice questions) by clicking the correct option before proceeding.

Test 2- Processing Speed: #

This task assesses a student’s visual processing speed, their ability to quickly recognise and interpret visual information, such as letters, symbols, or patterns. In academic settings, efficient visual processing helps with copying from the board, scanning worksheets, and navigating visual problems in subjects like math and science.

Assessing visual speed helps teachers spot students who might benefit from presentation modifications or extended time on visually intensive tasks. Results from this test can be used to support extra time in exams in the UK.

How it works: On-screen, a key showing pairs of numbers and letters together is shown, e.g. A is matched with 7, B is matched with 2. Students are then shown a table of letter and must match each with its corresponding number as quickly as they can, within the 2 minute time limit.

Test 3- Spelling #

This subtest looks at how well a student can spell spoken words. Spelling sounds simple, but it plays a massive role in clear written communication, especially in essays, short answers, note-taking, and any task where writing speed matters.

By assessing spelling, teachers can spot students who may need targeted literacy support or who might benefit from a scribe or word processor in exams. It’s also a useful window into vocabulary knowledge and encoding skills, key pieces of the literacy puzzle.

How it works: Words are played through headphones, and students type each one exactly as they hear it. Once they’re happy, they press enter and move on. Simple, direct, and genuinely helpful for identifying support needs.

Test 4- Number Backwards  #

This measure test is a measure of short term working memory. It assesses how well a student can hold and manipulate information in mind, such as remembering a sequence of numbers or multi-step instructions. Strong working memory is essential for following lesson sequences, solving multi-step problems in mathematics, and participating in discussions.

Assessing working memory helps identify students who may require step-by-step scaffolds or additional processing time to complete complex tasks.  Results from this test can be used to support extra time in exams in the UK.

How it works: Students must listen to numbers being called. They must remember these numbers and then type into boxes on screen in reverse order (backwards).

Test 5- Number Fluency #

This subtest is an assessment of mathematical fluency. It assesses the speed and accuracy of basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). High number fluency supports efficient problem solving in math classes, mental calculations during exams, and quick data handling in science.

Students with slower number fluency might spend excessive time on calculations, leaving less time for conceptual understanding. Results from this test can be used to support extra time in exams in the UK.

How it Works: Students complete 4 sections, each relating to a different maths operation. They are given 20-30 seconds to accurately complete as many sums as possible within the allotted time.

The 360 Degree View of the Learner #

Together, these five subtests build a rounded, compassionate picture of how a student learns,  not just what they know. SWIFT lets teachers see reading efficiency, visual processing, spelling, working memory, and number fluency side by side, offering a full view of each child’s strengths and needs.

This holistic insight helps schools make smarter decisions about interventions, supports, exam arrangements, and day-to-day classroom strategies, ensuring no learner is overlooked, and every student gets what they need to thrive.