League tables to be published despite SATs boycott

Despite efforts from the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) leading the boycott of nearly 17,000 primary schools SATs tests, all schools will still be subjected to the rankings of league tables.

For the first time, new-style tables of pupil performance measured by teachers throughout the year will feature in official league tables alongside SATs results.

Primary schools taking part in the boycott will still be ranked despite criticism from national unions that league tables promote ‘unhealthy competition’.

Children’s Secretary, Ed Balls, has commented that although results will still be published, teacher assessment could eventually replace SATs altogether.

NAHT General Secretary, Mick Brookes, has warned that protests could be repeated next year unless the new government abolished SATs and listened to teachers:

“We are not comfortable with teacher assessment being used for league tables. In some ways, the same schools will be at the bottom of these league tables, but at least they will be using valid data rather than the results of SATS.”