In a bold call for reform, headteachers across England are urging the government to scrap compulsory tests for primary school students in phonics, times tables, and grammar. The influential National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) argues these early assessments are a potential waste of valuable classroom time and limited educational funding.
The pushback comes as part of the government’s national curriculum and assessment review, which is soliciting input from educators and the public. In their official submission, the NAHT contends that the current testing regime for five- and six-year-olds is unnecessary, as the teaching methods being assessed are already deeply embedded in England’s primary schools.
Phonics and Multiplication Under Fire
The controversial phonics check, introduced in 2012, aims to ensure schools are using synthetic phonics techniques to teach reading to young students. However, the NAHT asserts that this practice is now standard, rendering the statutory assessment redundant.
It is disingenuous to suggest that [the phonics and multiplication checks] are needed to identify which children need further support in these areas – teachers know this about their pupils without a statutory test.
– NAHT submission to the national curriculum review
Similarly, the union argues that multiplication is repeatedly taught throughout primary school, making a separate test unnecessary. They are calling for an end to both the phonics screening check and the multiplication tables check for year 4 students.
Grappling with Grammar
The NAHT also took aim at the current curriculum’s approach to teaching grammar in primary schools, another initiative introduced under former Education Secretary Michael Gove. They argue the content “makes little contribution to children developing effective writing skills nor their grasp of the English language.”
Citing concerns that the grammar requirements go beyond what is needed to establish a strong foundation, the union is calling for the year 6 Sats assessment of spelling, punctuation and grammar to be eliminated entirely.
Streamlining Assessments
The curriculum review, ordered by current Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, is expected to focus on improving education for children with special needs and disabilities, as well as addressing the significant portion of students who fail to achieve passing GCSE grades.
- Government guidelines suggest the review should consider reducing the burden of exams and assessments “where feasible and appropriate.”
- However, they also note the need to recognize the “socially progressive benefits” of public examinations.
Striking this balance will be a key challenge as the review moves forward, with an interim report expected early next year and final recommendations due in autumn.
Calls for Comprehensive Reform
The NAHT’s proposals are just one facet of a broader push to overhaul England’s primary education system. Many educators and advocacy groups argue that the current emphasis on high-stakes testing from a young age is counterproductive, leading to undue stress for students and teachers alike.
We need a more holistic approach that prioritizes student well-being and fosters a genuine love of learning. Endless drills and assessments are not the answer.
– Anonymous primary school teacher
Proponents of reform point to alternative models in other countries, which place less emphasis on standardized testing and allow for more teacher autonomy in the classroom. They argue this approach leads to better long-term outcomes, producing students who are creative, critical thinkers.
As the national curriculum review unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed these calls for change. But one thing is clear: the debate over the future of primary education in England is far from over.
With passionate advocates on both sides, the coming months are sure to bring heated discussions about the best way forward. For the sake of England’s youngest students, many hope a consensus can be reached – one that prioritizes genuine learning over rote memorization and test scores.
Only time will tell if this vision becomes a reality. But for now, the NAHT’s bold stance has ensured that the issue of primary school testing will remain front and center in the national conversation.
