Responding to the news that the government will continue to print Key Stage 1 tests and deliver them to all maintained schools and academies, despite the fact they are no longer compulsory, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“This is a breathtaking waste of money from a government which has so often told schools to make efficiency savings.

“It’s cash that would be much better directly spent on children’s education by providing much-needed financial support to schools still struggling to make ends meet after a decade of government under-investment and amid high levels of inflation. It will also have a completely unnecessary environmental impact.

“We urge the government to explain why it has taken this decision and set out how much it is costing.”

Schools which do not wish to receive the test papers will have to proactively opt out on the Primary Assessment Gateway.