Farron backs plans to scrap mandatory school testing

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Jun 2008

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."