ASCL welcomes review of national tests for seven year olds

The government has today (Thursday 30 March) announced a consultation on a series of reforms to the primary assessment system.

Julie McCulloch, Primary Specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “We welcome many of the proposals in this consultation, particularly the commitment to review the statutory status of national tests for seven year olds.

“This shows the government has listened to our concerns about the significant burden the current assessment system places on both pupils and teachers and is willing to take steps to reduce these pressures. 

“It follows the sensible step it took last year not to go ahead with Year 7 resits, and we are pleased that it is committed to working with the profession productively in the best interests of children.

“We support the principle of assessing children on entry to primary school in order to recognise the crucial work schools do with children in their first few years of education. It is important, though, that the form of assessment used is appropriate to the age of the pupils involved and that it produces reliable results. We therefore welcome the government’s commitment to work with the profession to develop a suitable approach.”