Government plans to scrap KS1 SATs

Proposals to change the system for assessing children at primary school have been announced by education secretary Justine Greening.

The plans are to create a long-term, stable and proportionate system in order to help give children the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, while reducing the burden on teachers.

A consultation will seek views on a number of proposals, including the best way to measure schools on the progress children make during their primary education.

As part of this, the consultation proposes reviewing the statutory status of key stage 1 (KS1) assessment to reduce the burden of statutory assessment for teachers and pupils.

The government will consult on making assessments at the end of KS1 - both teacher assessment frameworks and national curriculum tests - in English reading, English writing, mathematics and science non-statutory once the new assessment in reception is fully established.

Under these proposals, schools will still be provided with test materials at KS1 to help them benchmark their pupils and inform parents.

The government would continue to ensure academic standards remain high by sampling from schools that administered the tests.

Education secretary Justine Greening said: “The government has reformed the primary school system to make sure children can master the basics of literacy and numeracy so they get the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in later life.

“Now we want to build on that by developing a stable assessment system that helps children learn, while freeing up teachers to do what they do best - supporting children to fulfil their potential.”