School testing regime relaxed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.All children will no longer take the same school tests at seven and 11, under a U-turn to be announced by the Government. And a root-and-branch review of the national curriculum for primary schools will also be launched to ensure that all pupils learn a foreign language before they move on to secondary school.
The two moves will be included in a 10-year Children's Plan to be published tomorrow by Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary. The tests which critics say turn children into "exam junkies" will become more like music examinations, with teachers deciding when pupils should take them. The "testing when ready" approach is already being piloted, and will now be extended nationwide.
Mr Balls said the tests were important because parents wanted to see how their children and schools were doing.
Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said the last thing schools needed was more Government control over what was taught. "The meddling of Government has got to stop," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments