PRIMARY HEADS in the National Association of Head Teachers and primary teachers in the NUT have overwhelmingly rejected SATs as a way of measuring pupil progress in a joint activity to test opinion, and are currently deciding the next steps in their joint campaign.
In the NUT, overall turnout in the indicative ballot was just under 25 per cent, high for a mere test of opinion: 95 per cent said the current system of SATs at the end of key Stages 1 and 2 should be abolished, while 76 per cent said they would be prepared to boycott the tests should that prove necessary. Among leadership-group members who would be at the forefront of any boycott, the turnout was even higher at 35 per cent.
The NUT and NAHT have called upon the government to engage in constructive talks about ending the tests that are highly damaging to children's education and put in place alternative assessment that will be of value to pupils, teachers and parents.