Industry News

Independent school leader criticises 'stress' of Sats

Posted on 23rd September 2008

For Parents

For Student/Child

For Schools

Discounted goods for you and your child, for school and home

A number of independent schools have ditched national assessments because of the pressure they exert on pupils as young as seven, it has been suggested.

Incoming chair of the Independent Association of Prep Schools Diana Watkins told the organisation's annual conference yesterday that the potential for long-term negative consequences had led many institutions to abandon Sats.

The tests, which remain compulsory in maintained schools, are taken at the ages of seven, 11 and 14.

Ms Watkins, who is headteacher of Leaden Hall School in Salisbury, told the conference that some pupils are left 'sobbing with worry' as a result of the anxiety caused in the build up to the assessments.

And she argued that this is contributing to other problems for youngsters, stating: 'It is no coincidence that we have seen so many more young children with mental health problems and stress in the last few years.'

During an interview on BBC One's Andrew Marr Show earlier this month, schools secretary Ed Balls hinted that next year could be the last for Sats.