Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the current educational system's (1) use of early testing, (2) exam focus, and (3) practice of comparing pupils with each other, on the creation of a positive environment for the mental health of both pupils and teachers.

Assessments, including the national curriculum tests at key stages 1 and 2 and GCSE and A level exams, are an essential part of ensuring that children and young people are taught the knowledge and skills they need in order to succeed in further study and in later life. Statutory assessments at key stages 1 and 2 help teachers to understand how their pupils are performing against national expectations and enable them to identify where extra support may be needed. Both these statutory assessments and the qualifications taken at secondary level enable the government to hold schools and colleges to account, and in doing so help to ensure that they offer a high quality education to all their pupils, regardless of background or prior attainment.

Tests and exams can be a time of heightened emotions for pupils and teachers, but they are not meant to cause stress and anxiety. Schools should encourage all pupils to work hard and achieve well, but this should not be at the expense of their wellbeing. They should also provide appropriate support as part of a whole school approach to supporting the wellbeing and resilience of pupils.