Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Tests

06 July 2026 · Department for Education

Proposed by Bridget Phillipson Lab Houghton and Sunderland South

Education

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The return of Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Test results will be delayed until Thursday 16 July 2026.
  • Pearson Education Limited is responsible for system issues affecting the test results.
  • The Government is holding Pearson accountable and reviewing future delivery options.

Issue summary

The statement addresses a delay in returning Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Test results due to Pearson Education Limited's system issues.

Action requested

There will be a delay until Thursday 16 July 2026 for the return of test results. The Government is holding Pearson accountable and reviewing future delivery options.

Key facts

  • Year 6 children in England took their end of Key Stage 2 National Curriculum Tests (SATs) in May.
  • Results were originally due on Tuesday 7 July 2026 but delayed to Thursday 16 July 2026.
  • Pearson Education Limited was awarded the contract for delivering KS2 tests by the Standards and Testing Agency in April 2024.
  • Pearson failed to upload results on time due to system issues.
  • The test scripts were marked, quality assured, and standards maintenance completed as scheduled.
  • Pearson apologised for the delay affecting schools, pupils, and parents.
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