It’s time to fundamentally change the high-stakes, high-pressure assessment system in primary schools and make good mental health the basis for good learning.

Primary pupils in England now face SATs and other government tests in four out of seven school years – that’s more formal assessments than any other country.

But the evidence against the current system is growing. Parents, teachers and heads are united in calling for change.

Over three-quarters of parents believe there should be no statutory tests in primary schools and 93% of heads think the government should review the entire system. Meanwhile, children continue to suffer the negative consequences: 82% of teachers said pupils were distressed by SATs tests in 2023.

SATs and other government tests don’t help learning and cause unnecessary stress and pressure.