Primary headteachers condemn the negative effect of SATs on pupils’ wellbeing

Over 80% of headteachers agree that SATs have a negative effect on pupils’ wellbeing, new research by UCL Institute of Education (IOE) reveals. A survey of 288 primary school headteachers and 20 in-depth interviews were conducted by Dr Alice Bradbury for the campaign group More Than A Score from March – June 2019. Her findings reveal the high-stakes nature of SATs – tests taken by 10- and 11-year-olds in schools in England – is at the heart of much of the criticism. Dr Bradbury concludes, “For many headteachers, SATs are an indication of a system which has the wrong priorities, with negative effects on children, teachers and the curriculum and pedagogy.” Read more.