Minister to face Sats tests dilemma

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But it is likely to stop short of calling for a complete overhaul of the system, or for the tests to be scrapped.

Such a move will set Schools Secretary Ed Balls on a collision course with teaching unions and bring closer the prospect of a boycott of next year's tests.

The group - consisting of five members, including Sir Jim Rose, who has just published his review of the primary curriculum - was established by Mr Balls last October.

It was tasked with looking at how the current assessment system could be improved, but its remit did not include looking at abolishing national testing entirely.

Sats tests in English, maths and science are taken by 11-year-olds at the end of Key Stage 2, in their last year at primary school.

Mr Balls scrapped Sats tests for 14-year-olds in the wake of last summer's marking fiasco.

The group could suggest further trials of "single level tests" which are taken by pupils when teachers feel they are ready.

But it is expected to back Mr Balls' proposals for report cards, which would give details on how a school is performing in exams, as well as other areas such as pupils' behaviour and well-being.

On Saturday, members of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) passed a resolution at their annual conference backing a boycott of next year's exams. The National Union of Teachers passed an identical motion at its annual conference last month, and both unions are expected to ballot their members this autumn.