SATs results prove case for scrapping SATs, teachers argue

Teachers are pointing to a six point rise in the number of pupils attaining Level 4 or higher in their writing as evidence of the need to scrap SATs.

The publication of key stage 2 test results show that 81 per cent of children have achieved the benchmark in writing, compared to 75 per cent last year.

The figure is notable because there was no externally marked test this year for writing – the subject's score was based purely on teacher assessment.

The National Union of Teachers said the successful outcome showed that teacher assessment is a “robust" indicator of pupil achievement.

General secretary Christine Blower said: “The increased scores in writing, through the use of teacher assessment this year, have proven that it is a more accurate and fair way of assessing pupils' ability. We have long called for national curriculum tests at key stage 2 to be scrapped and replaced by teacher assessment which, when moderated well, is as robust an indicator of pupil achievement and progress as the current tests."