Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements are in place to promote unannounced inspections of schools entering pupils for Key Stage 2 SATs for compliance with the required procedures for (1) the safe storage of test papers, (2) preventing the opening of those papers prior to the examination date, (3) ensuring proper invigilation of the SATs tests, and (4) preventing unauthorised concessions or assistance to pupils.

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) publishes the ‘Assessment and Reporting Arrangements’ at the start of each academic year, laying out the statutory responsibilities of schools and local authorities for the administration of key stage 2 tests.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to conduct monitoring visits to 10% of the schools participating in the key stage 2 national curriculum tests in their area. Monitoring visits are undertaken before, during and after the test period.

The STA provide local authorities and agencies responsible for conducting monitoring visits with details of any schools it feels should receive a monitoring visit based on information it holds. Within the sample of schools visited, monitoring visitors are required to observe the secure storage of the test materials, the administration of the tests and the collation and packaging of the pupils’ completed scripts ready for dispatch for marking. Details of monitoring visits are recorded and any concerns about the security of the test materials or administration of the tests are investigated by STA. Results may be amended or annulled where evidence of maladministration is found.

Schools may seek permission for ‘access arrangements’ to support pupils with specific needs. Local authorities check permission has been given and evidence of need exists for any alterations to administration as part of the monitoring visit.