Governors’ toolkit

The role of governors in the running of a school is vital, and your voices are also critical to the current debate about assessment.

Standardised testing damages children’s education, places additional pressures on teachers, pupils and parents and provides no useful information on how well a school performs.

As the government moves to introduce baseline assessment for reception pupils, the pressure on schools is only going to increase.

The time has come to have a substantial, informed debate about the current system. This toolkit contains ideas and resources to help make your voice heard.

Talk to your peers

It’s important to be fully informed about all the issues relating to assessment. A good starting-point to share with your fellow governors is the More Than A Score book, Beyond the Exam Factory. It can be downloaded below.

If you haven’t discussed assessment with the school’s head, this is also a good place to start as it will allow you to have a discussion and understand their views.

If you would like to learn more about the introduction of baseline assessment in reception classes, you can read the open letter signed by over 700 academics and experts criticising the government’s plans.

If you would like to get in touch with other governors who share your concerns about standardised testing, please let us know and we can connect you with like-minded peers.
Contact us at: campaign@morethanascore.org.uk

Visit our social media sites facebook.com/morethanascore and twitter.com/morethanscore and share updates and news with friends and family.

Share your story

We are always looking for stories from governors about their experiences with SATs and other standardised assessments. We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you would like to share your views about the introduction of baseline assessment in reception classes.

If you would like to write a blog for the More Than A Score website, or be interviewed or filmed, get in touch

Write to your MP

We want the government and opposition parties to pay attention to how we feel about the current testing system. The views of governors are vital in this debate and writing to your MP will make your voice heard.

There is a template letter below. When you’re writing, please do let them know about the effect of standardised testing on pupils in your school, and on teachers’ morale.

You can send your letter using writetothem.com or find your MP’s address on www.parliament.uk

Withdrawing from SATs

Taking the decision to withdraw your school from SATs requires a significant commitment from teachers, governors and parents. If you are considering making this move, we can provide support and resources from our own panel of experts.

The film below, The School That Said No to SATs, provides an insight into the process.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss this in more detail campaign@morethanascore.org.uk