The man responsible for all the exams taken in schools in England is to face questioning from MPs to explain the problems with this year's Sats results.
The man responsible for all the exams taken in schools in England is to face questioning from MPs to explain the problems with this year's Sats results.
Technical difficulties have led to results for over a million pupils being delayed for at least a week.
Technical difficulties have led to results for over a million pupils being delayed for at least a week.
Ken Boston, chief executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, is to appear before an emergency Commons committee meeting
Ken Boston, chief executive of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, is to appear before an emergency Commons committee meeting
The National Association of Head Teachers wants the tests annulled.
The National Association of Head Teachers wants the tests annulled.
Ministers have already announced an independent inquiry into the affair.
Ministers have already announced an independent inquiry into the affair.
This year the tests for 11- and 14-year-olds were run by the American computer company ETS, which gave assurances to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority that all was well.
This year the tests for 11- and 14-year-olds were run by the American computer company ETS, which gave assurances to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority that all was well.
There are stories of markers being transported up and down the country with their schools being recompensed for supply cover, and with them being given rail travel and hotel accommodation to help with marking Mick Brookes, NUT general secretary
There are stories of markers being transported up and down the country with their schools being recompensed for supply cover, and with them being given rail travel and hotel accommodation to help with marking Mick Brookes, NUT general secretary
But the QCA was forced to admit test results would be delayed by at least a week, blaming what it called " serious failings " by ETS.
But the QCA was forced to admit test results would be delayed by at least a week, blaming what it called " serious failings " by ETS.
Mr Boston's "one-off" session" with MPs will "discuss the current situation on National Tests".
Mr Boston's "one-off" session" with MPs will "discuss the current situation on National Tests".
Barry Sheerman, chair of the Childrens, Schools and Families select committee, said: "The best thing to do seemed to be to get Ken Boston in, find out what's really going on, and ask the man who runs the QCA and is responsible for hiring this company, what the situation is."
Barry Sheerman, chair of the Childrens, Schools and Families select committee, said: "The best thing to do seemed to be to get Ken Boston in, find out what's really going on, and ask the man who runs the QCA and is responsible for hiring this company, what the situation is."
The BBC News website was flooded with emails from parents examiners and schools complaining about technical difficulties.
The BBC News website was flooded with emails from parents examiners and schools complaining about technical difficulties.
One parent, Myfanwy Unwin, from Staffordshire, told the BBC Sats testing "already puts children under massive pressure, and delays like this only add to it".
One parent, Myfanwy Unwin, from Staffordshire, told the BBC Sats testing "already puts children under massive pressure, and delays like this only add to it".
Mick Brookes, general secretary of the NUT, said schools have reported "all kinds of problems" with marking.
Mick Brookes, general secretary of the NUT, said schools have reported "all kinds of problems" with marking.
He also warned parents should not rely on Sats results as the only indicator of the progress of their child's education.
He also warned parents should not rely on Sats results as the only indicator of the progress of their child's education.
Mr Brookes said: "There are stories of markers being transported up and down the country with their schools being recompensed for supply cover, and with them being given rail travel and hotel accommodation to help with marking. It really is desperate.
Mr Brookes said: "There are stories of markers being transported up and down the country with their schools being recompensed for supply cover, and with them being given rail travel and hotel accommodation to help with marking. It really is desperate.
"There are bound to be mistakes in marking."
"There are bound to be mistakes in marking."
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