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Sats mark appeals 'set to rocket' Sats mark appeals 'set to rocket'
(9 minutes later)
Head teachers are warning that the dispute over "Sats" results in England is likely to escalate, with predictions of record numbers of appeals this year.Head teachers are warning that the dispute over "Sats" results in England is likely to escalate, with predictions of record numbers of appeals this year.
Worries about the quality of marking will mean that appeals over test results are "almost certain to rocket" says heads' leader John Dunford.Worries about the quality of marking will mean that appeals over test results are "almost certain to rocket" says heads' leader John Dunford.
As schools break up for summer, almost one in five primary schools still does not have a full set of marks.As schools break up for summer, almost one in five primary schools still does not have a full set of marks.
The results for tests taken by 14-year-olds are also finally due out.The results for tests taken by 14-year-olds are also finally due out.
There have already been warnings that there will be delays in the delivery of the English test results for secondary schools - possibly until September.There have already been warnings that there will be delays in the delivery of the English test results for secondary schools - possibly until September.
Marking doubtsMarking doubts
Dr Dunford, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has added to concerns over this year's results by warning that many more schools would challenge them.Dr Dunford, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has added to concerns over this year's results by warning that many more schools would challenge them.
FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMMEFROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME
"The government and Ofsted use the Sats results to make judgements about whether schools will fail their inspections and heads can lose their jobs as a result," he said."The government and Ofsted use the Sats results to make judgements about whether schools will fail their inspections and heads can lose their jobs as a result," he said.
"The results need to be accurate and schools will be much angrier at lack of accuracy than delay."The results need to be accurate and schools will be much angrier at lack of accuracy than delay.
"Results will be scrutinised this year as never before and the number of appeals is almost certain to rocket.""Results will be scrutinised this year as never before and the number of appeals is almost certain to rocket."
ComplaintsComplaints
The scale of the delays in primary schools has become clearer - and it is affecting more schools than was at first apparent, with about one in five still missing results, according to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).The scale of the delays in primary schools has become clearer - and it is affecting more schools than was at first apparent, with about one in five still missing results, according to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
On Monday, QCA chief executive Ken Boston assured MPs that marking for the primary school tests was "100% complete in all subjects" and that 94% of English, 97% of maths and 97% of science results were ready for publication the next day.On Monday, QCA chief executive Ken Boston assured MPs that marking for the primary school tests was "100% complete in all subjects" and that 94% of English, 97% of maths and 97% of science results were ready for publication the next day.
But further unmarked scripts have been found and there have been complaints of pupils wrongly recorded as being absent.But further unmarked scripts have been found and there have been complaints of pupils wrongly recorded as being absent.
As such, many pupils will go home for the summer not knowing how they fared in tests in May for which they spent so much time preparing.As such, many pupils will go home for the summer not knowing how they fared in tests in May for which they spent so much time preparing.
There have been concerns that the lack of end of primary school results could disrupt secondary schools' plans for putting pupils into ability groups when they enter their new schools in September.There have been concerns that the lack of end of primary school results could disrupt secondary schools' plans for putting pupils into ability groups when they enter their new schools in September.
There have also been concerns that the failure to deliver test results for 14-year-olds will complicate plans for GCSE choices, which will be needed for courses to begin in September.There have also been concerns that the failure to deliver test results for 14-year-olds will complicate plans for GCSE choices, which will be needed for courses to begin in September.
Schools Secretary Ed Balls said the situation was "unacceptable" and has instigated an inquiry, to be led by a former Ofsted chief, Lord Sutherland.Schools Secretary Ed Balls said the situation was "unacceptable" and has instigated an inquiry, to be led by a former Ofsted chief, Lord Sutherland.
'Serial incompetence''Serial incompetence'
Shadow children's secretary Michael Gove said ministers should end the contract with ETS before next year's tests.Shadow children's secretary Michael Gove said ministers should end the contract with ETS before next year's tests.
Head teacher Janis Burdin questions the quality of marking'Head teacher Janis Burdin questions the quality of marking'
"ETS have forfeited the right to run future Sats tests. Every day brings new evidence of their serial incompetence," he said."ETS have forfeited the right to run future Sats tests. Every day brings new evidence of their serial incompetence," he said.
"Ministers must act now to ensure next year's exams are run properly."Ministers must act now to ensure next year's exams are run properly.
"That means guaranteeing that a proper team to supervise the process is in place as soon as possible.""That means guaranteeing that a proper team to supervise the process is in place as soon as possible."
Questions were raised on Thursday over the quality of work carried out by ETS, with teachers complaining of "erratic" marking.Questions were raised on Thursday over the quality of work carried out by ETS, with teachers complaining of "erratic" marking.
Some schools also said papers had been returned unmarked and others said pupils who had sat the tests had been marked as absent.Some schools also said papers had been returned unmarked and others said pupils who had sat the tests had been marked as absent.