Firstly, let me congratulate every student who has achieved what they need in their GCSE results today – and to those that haven’t do not feel too disheartened; many opportunities await you in your life. Much has been made about these new ‘tougher’ GCSEs but as far as I can see they still fulfil a…
As Year 6 children up and down the country sit for their Key Stage 2 SATs this week, the question of whether we’re putting too much stress on 11 year-olds continues. Testing is crucial if we’re to measure a child’s progress and ensure they are helped to improve and be the best they can be.…
I am deeply disappointed that the government looks to have caved into parent and teacher pressure, with SATs for seven-year-olds set to be scrapped. This is the latest example of successive governments losing their nerve on testing. First SATs for 14 year-olds were shelved, and now the government is planning to scrap those for seven-year-olds,…
This week I was invited to be an audience member for a BBC Radio Kent debate on grammar schools. They had a very diverse panel, from a headteacher of an Academy vehemently opposed to grammar schools to journalist and author Peter Hitchens, a passionate advocate for the return of grammar schools. You can view the debate…
It’s been a difficult time for some parents and teachers of year 6 children who have been the first to feel the effect of tougher SATs. But I would urge them all to not be disheartened – more rigorous testing will put each child on the path to a successful secondary school education. My biggest…