Primary tests 'should be scrapped'

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A poll of more than 10,000 parents across England found that more than eight in ten - 8,944 people in total (85%) are in favour of abolishing the current testing system for 11-year-olds.

The National Association of Headteachers (NAHT), which conducted the research, said the results overwhelmingly rejected views put forward by politicians that parents were in favour of testing.

The survey found that nine in ten parents want teacher assessment to be used to judge a child's performance instead.

In addition, almost three quarters (71%) want to see league tables scrapped and a similar proportion (74.9%) thought they were not a real measure of the education a school provides for their child.

More than eight in ten (85%) do not think that the current testing system represents good value for money and 97% want a greater emphasis placed on their child's personal achievement and development.

Mick Brookes, NAHT general secretary said: "We are often assured that parents want to keep the current system, this database of results does knock that on the head.

"Whilst we know this is not a forensic study, it is a substantial database and it should be taken very seriously.We keep hearing about how important the parental voice is, well here it is, loud and very clear."

He said he was pleased the Department for Children, Schools and Families had set up an expert group to look at testing and said the NAHT planned to submit the survey to the group.

Schools minister Jim Knight said: "We welcome NAHT engagement on this issue. As we take forward far-reaching changes to assessment and accountability, it is essential that our social partners work closely with us to get the details right."