Sats takeover

Monday, 28, Jul 2008 12:00

After lengthy delays to the release of Sats results for thousands of children the government's assessment body has finally stepped in to help out.

ETS Europe had been tasked with handling the tests, which form the compulsory assessment system for the national curriculum, but has today been replaced by the National Assessment Agency (NAA).

It will now handle reviews of Sats papers following the delays earlier this summer. Schools which were unable to submit reviews before the end of the summer term because they had not received the papers now have a new deadline of September 10th.

Those schools still without scripts will receive them by the start of the autumn term, it has been pledged today.

Negative media coverage of the delays has strengthened calls for reform of the Sats system. Currently all those finishing key stages two and three, aged nine and 14, undergo the tests.

An inquiry into the Sats delay has been announced by the government. Schools secretary Ed Balls admitted the delays were "clearly unacceptable" earlier this month.