Oral Answers to Questions

Lee Barron Excerpts

Monday 21st July 2025 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire) (Lab)]

1. What assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing alternative methods of primary school assessment.

[The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)]

Mr Speaker, may I take this opportunity to thank all those who work in our schools and wish them a well-earned break over the summer holidays? High and rising school standards are a non-negotiable for this Labour Government as we seek to build a school system that enables every child to achieve and thrive. Our independent expert-led curriculum and assessment review has found that the current system for primary assessments is broadly working well. However, we will take on board any recommendations from the review panel when it reports in the autumn.

[Lee Barron (Corby and East Northamptonshire) (Lab)]

A recent survey by Young Minds found that over a third of year 6 pupils felt ill due to standard assessment tests, and over a quarter said they made them feel bad about themselves. Ninety-six per cent of headteachers say that SATs harm wellbeing, and 95% doubt their accuracy. Our children and teachers are telling us that SATs are broken. Will the Department consider a more holistic assessment approach that ensures the wellbeing of our children at such a young age?

[Catherine McKinnell]

It is our ambition that all children get the chance not just to achieve at school but to thrive. SATs are carefully developed to ensure that they are accessible. It is clear that schools should not over-prepare children for the assessments at the expense of their wellbeing.