Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Farron backs plans to scrap mandatory school testing

June 18, 2008 3:00 PM

Local MP Tim Farron has today backed Liberal Democrat plans to scrap mandatory testing for school children. Mr Farron, who regularly holds youth forums, often hears from both young people and educators that the mandatory national tests for seven and fourteen year olds do more harm than good. The abolition of mandatory tests would save the Government millions of pounds, which Mr Farron believes could be of great benefit to his constituents.

Commenting, Mr Farron said:

"It is blatantly obvious that testing our young people in such a formal way at such an early age is damaging to our school system because teachers are forced to focus on the tests rather than on educating children. Also, these unnecessary tests cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for children, parents and teachers alike.

"The money released by scrapping these tests will benefit all pupils by funding an expansion of one-to-one tuition for basic skills such as reading and maths, and help all children get a better start in life."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    timfarron.co.uk/en/article/2008/105241/farron-backs-plans-to-scrap-mandatory-school-testing
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    tf.lib.dm/a14wd

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image