Standardised assessment in primary schools

That this House acknowledges recent research conducted by YouGov which demonstrates that 62 per cent of parents believe there is too much standardised assessment in primary schools in England; notes that parents consider the happiness of pupils and a well-rounded education to be a better measure of the performance of schools than formal tests taken under exam conditions; further notes that teaching to the test can limit children's access to a broad and balanced curriculum and restrict time spent on activities which children would find stimulating and challenging; further expresses concern that the pressure of sitting tests under exam conditions can harm pupils' well-being and have negative consequences both in school and at home; and calls for an urgent Government review of all assessment in primary schools to achieve a system of standardised accountability which is in line with parents' priorities.