Petition · past parliament

KS2 Reading SATs was unfair on pupils & shouldn’t be counted in performance data

Closed 270 signatures

What the petition asks

Unlike other Key Stage 2 subjects, the Reading paper differed significantly from the sample test. We fully support a drive to increase standards, but the level of vocabulary was above beyond most 11 year olds. This poor communication of expectations by the DfE should not punish pupils or schools.
The number of inferential questions was far higher, with fewer literal, than the sample. Both were inaccessible to lower attainers, who couldn’t show skills learned. In past/sample tests pupils found key words in a question to retrieve information/infer answers. This test required pupils find synonyms of key words. Teachers would have taught this had it been indicated in sample materials/Programme of Study. It’s unfair to test children on skills for which there was no indication to teachers.

Timeline

26 May 2016 Petition opened for signatures
26 Nov 2016 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 270
Status Closed
Opened 26 May 2016
Closed 26 Nov 2016

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.