Today (Friday 24 September), UCL-led research “Assessment in Education” reports on the effect of national primary school tests on children’s happiness and wellbeing.  

Commenting after the report’s publication, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Schools work hard to make sure that any formal assessments children are obliged to take are completed without feeling pressure or negative reactions, so it is pleasing to find that this report shows that schools are doing their job well in this regard.

“However, NAHT has long argued that there are too many formal tests and assessments during a child’s time at primary school. Given the crucial work schools are now doing to support educational recovery, which has undoubtedly had a negative impact on pupil wellbeing, NAHT is deeply disappointed to see the government proceeding with a full suite of primary assessments next year. 

“We all hope that life in school can return to normal as quickly as possible, but that does not mean that all aspects of education need to return exactly as they were. There is an opportunity here to discuss improvements to assessment in the Primary phase and we strongly urge the government to engage with us and other professional groups.”