Pearson Apologises for Delay to Key Stage 2 Standard Assessment Test Results in England

Pearson, the contracted examination board, has apologised for the postponement of Key Stage 2 Standard Assessment Test (SATS) results in England, impacting approximately 600,000 Year 6 pupils. The results, initially due on 9 July, will now be released on 10 July.

This delay has provoked sharp criticism from headteachers and education unions, who have demanded assurances regarding the accuracy of the final results. Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), highlighted that schools require “cast-iron assurances” of accuracy to avoid further disruption.

The Department for Education (DfE) confirmed the delay, stating it was necessary to “perform additional quality assurance checks” to ensure the accuracy of the data. This explanation has been met with scepticism, as the DfE had previously confirmed that all tests had been marked by 1 July.

School leaders have voiced concerns that the delay complicates the process of sharing results with parents before the summer break and impedes secondary school transition planning. Furthermore, issues with the Primary Assessment Gateway portal, where results are accessed, have been reported, adding to the frustration. Pearson acknowledged “some initial issues” with the portal but stated these have been resolved.

The SATS are a critical, if controversial, component of England’s primary education system, designed to assess pupils’ attainment in English reading, maths, and English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The results are also used to inform school performance tables, adding pressure to an already fraught assessment process.