Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Wera Hobhouse Excerpts
Monday 21st July 2025

(1 day, 21 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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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.

Wera Hobhouse Portrait Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD)
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It is so well known how damaging formal assessment can be for some children; their wellbeing should be at the forefront of our minds. I know that from primary school teachers in my Bath constituency. Is it not time that we completely scrapped SATs?

Catherine McKinnell Portrait Catherine McKinnell
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National curriculum tests and assessments are crucial to support schools in building strong foundations for children regardless of background and prior attainment. We will continue to keep the matter under review. Of course, children should not be made to feel stressed; they should be supported to achieve and thrive in any assessment at school.