Tests attacked as standards plummet

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Almost one in three 14-year-olds are failing to reach the reading level expected of their age group, according to Government figures.

Boys are faring worse than girls when it comes to literacy with almost four in 10 falling behind in their reading tests.

More than a quarter (27%) of pupils fell short of Level 5 - the standard they are expected to reach in English curriculum tests.

Dr John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said there were questions over whether the tests were value for money.

He said: "Far too much is made each year of a percentage point or two up or down in the Key Stage 3 results in English, mathematics and science.

"What is important is that the trend is upwards, reflecting the rising standards in schools across the country.

"Too much importance is placed on Key Stage 3 tests, which are no more than a progress check two-thirds of the way through secondary education."

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: "The Key Stage 3 tests are an irrelevance. No-one will be interested in the results when young people apply for a job."

But Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said: "It is evident from these results that year on year, pupils and teachers continue to deliver improvements and standards remain high. All those involved should be congratulated."