ASCL comment on skills tests

Commenting on a written statement by Nick Gibb, Minister of State for School Standards, about plans to scrap the existing skills tests for trainee teachers, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

"We welcome the government's plans to scrap the numeracy and literacy skills tests which prospective teachers are currently required to take. These tests are in addition to candidates needing a degree and at least a grade 4/C in GCSE English and maths. They are unnecessary and are a potential barrier to recruitment at a time when we have an acute shortage of teachers.

"We need to be encouraging people to become teachers rather than finding ways of putting them off, and the government's announcement is a step in the right direction."