Schools may face new compulsory tests
The exam regulator has revealed plans to ask government to make its National Reference Test (NRT) mandatory for a sample of 300 secondary schools across the country, commencing in March 2017. This will mean approximately 15, 000 students will have to undertake the tests despite already being under press preparing for their year 11 GCSEs.
The new plans will involve a combination of short tests of under an hour in both maths and english, just weeks before GCSE exams begin.
Latest News
15/04/2026 - 09:37
The government has announced the locations of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges, backed by £175 million investment in skills training in priority areas.
14/04/2026 - 10:11
New research suggests that eight out of 10 people (80%) back banning cars in streets around schools to encourage children to travel by healthier alternatives.
14/04/2026 - 09:47
The government is proposing that schools appoint a lead governor with designated responsibility for school food, as part of its reforms to school food standards.
13/04/2026 - 09:39
The government has set out plans to reform School Food Standards - the first time in over a decade - and is launching a nine-week consultation on the changes.
10/04/2026 - 11:16
The government is launching a new programme to support schools in areas of high knife crime and improve pupils’ safety on their way to and from school.
