Primary School Assessment 2025-07-21
2025-07-21
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A recent survey by Young Minds found that over a third of Year 6 pupils felt ill due to standard assessment tests, with over a quarter saying they made them feel bad about themselves. Ninety-six per cent of headteachers say that SATs harm wellbeing and 95% doubt their accuracy.
A recent survey by Young Minds found that over a third of Year 6 pupils felt ill due to standard assessment tests, with over a quarter saying they made them feel bad about themselves. Ninety-six per cent of headteachers say that SATs harm wellbeing and 5% doubt their accuracy. Our children and teachers are telling us that SATs are broken. Will the Department consider a more holistic assessment approach that ensures the wellbeing of our children at such a young age?
It is our ambition that all children get the chance not just to achieve at school but to thrive. SATs are carefully developed to ensure that they are accessible. It is clear that schools should not over-prepare children for the assessments at the expense of their wellbeing.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to considering a more holistic assessment approach or scrapping SATs but stated that schools should support children's wellbeing during assessments.
Stated Ambition Without Commitment
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
It is well known how damaging formal assessment can be for some children; their wellbeing should be at the forefront of our minds. Primary school teachers in Bath have raised concerns.
It is so well known how damaging formal assessment can be for some children, and their wellbeing should be at the forefront of our minds. I know that from primary school teachers in my Bath constituency. Is it not time that we completely scrapped SATs?
National curriculum tests and assessments are crucial to support schools in building strong foundations for children regardless of background and prior attainment. We will continue to keep the matter under review. Of course, children should not be made to feel stressed; they should be supported to achieve and thrive in any assessment at school.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to scrapping SATs but stated that national curriculum tests are crucial while keeping the matter under review.
Stated Importance Of Assessments Without Committing
Response accuracy