NAHT responds to today's SATs results

Responding to this morning's Key Stage 2 SATs results, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said: “Year 6 pupils should be immensely proud of their achievements throughout this year, for most, the last in their primary school. They, and their teachers and school leaders have worked incredibly hard.

“NAHT remains concerned about the purpose of Year 6 SATs. In our recent member survey only 8% of respondents agreed that statutory assessments inform future teaching and learning. Only 6% agreed that Key Stage 2 SATs results support pupils' transition to secondary school.

“We urge the new government reconsider the value and purpose of statutory assessments for schools, parents and children. They are given disproportionate significance and pile pressure onto pupils and staff, causing unnecessary stress and in some cases harming their wellbeing.

“The current high-stakes testing regime fails to value children as individuals, foster positive mental health, or encourage a broad and balanced curriculum. We stand ready to work with the new government to develop an alternative and more proportionate approach which minimises the negative impacts on the curriculum, staff and pupils.”