
NEU leading the debate on the Independent Review of Education
We have an opportunity to review where we are right now with the Independent Review of Education and ask some big questions about where we’re heading.
We have an opportunity to review where we are right now with the Independent Review of Education and ask some big questions about where we’re heading.
NEU NI has submitted initial views to the independent review of education in the form of ten demands or asks to be addressed.
NEU has developed this guidance on arrangements for awarding VTQs this summer.
This guidance applies to all awarding organisations offering GCSEs, AS and A-Levels in England.
Education Minister clarifies position on exams in NI 2021.
Exams have been cancelled - what happens now?
The DfE's report demonstrates only that baseline assessment meets the requirements set out for it by the DfE, which is no real statement at all.
After Covid-19, we need reform of our assessment and exams systems to make them fit for the future.
The Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the flaws in our primary assessment system that fails to put children first.
Setting and streaming can exacerbate inequalities and hold back disadvantaged pupils.
Advice and guidance for adaptations to assessments for GCSEs, AS, A-Levels, BTECs and Cambridge Nationals and Technicals in England in 2022
Model policy to assist reps and officers in negotiations with the employer on feedback and marking.
In any normal year there can be great anxiety for students, parents, carers and education staff in and around results day. This year will be no different but will have the added complexity of the extraordinary situation for awarding grades, appeals and entries into the autumn series.
Answers to questions about Baseline for organisers and activists
The term ALPS is derived from A-Level Performance System. ALPS aims to provide value added scores to colleges and to individual courses.
What a marking policy should look like in your school and how to use our model checklist in your workplace.
Ciaran O’Halloran, NEU member, head of drama at a school in Belfast, and an examiner for Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) shares his thoughts on the ministerial decision on WJEC exams in Northern Ireland.
Following the recent sector-led response to proposed changes to the EYFS, early years expert, Dr Sue Allingham, of Keeping Early Years Unique, sets out the concerns of the sector, and the principles which must be defended.
Two of our major political parties have made clear that the assessment and accountability system under which schools have laboured for nearly 30 years can no longer be tolerated.
A teacher from one London primary school describes how staff are speaking out against Baseline for the sake of their pupils.
A look at the problems with Baseline assessment by Ken Jones, from the National Education Union.
The new primary progress measures aren't fairer for children and don’t add up for schools. Anne Heavey explains why.
The Government claims that its new Schools Bill will level up education opportunity. It will do no such thing. It displays an alarming lack of aspiration and ambition.
Commenting on the announcement of subject content and assessment arrangements for 2022/23
Ofqual are right that the pandemic has catalysed questions about assessment in England, however the questions they address are far too limited
Comment on the passing of Motion 39 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union,
Comment on the passing of Motion 8 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
In the latest annual survey of 1,788 National Education Union members, conducted ahead of Annual Conference in Bournemouth, we asked about nationally set assessments, including Key Stage 2, GCSEs and A Levels.
Comment on the passing of Motion 7 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union
NEU comment on the use of 2022 SATs and GCSE results by Ofsted
We strongly criticise the Government’s decision to de-fund AGQs which include BTECs and Cam Techs at level 3. Scrapping these will massively impact disadvantaged students who f have used these qualifications to progress to higher education and into employment for years
The research highlights that to help current and future students flourish in the 21st century, England must change its approach to assessment and qualifications. If no change to assessment is made, these problems will persist.
The release of this 'advanced' information comes too late.
The report adds to the case for abolishing the phonics check and for stepping back from Ofsted’s enforcement of a single approach to the teaching of reading.
The report rightly says that the gap will require specific targeted and continued input to support the learning of disadvantaged children.
Teachers and leaders and pupils have again been left in limbo about how assessment would work if the exam system failed.
The pandemic has proved just how valuable schools are to children, young people and society. It's time to Value Education, Value Educators.
This year's GCSE results can be relied upon to help students move on to their next step.
Congratulations to all students for their achievements this year and all the hard work that their teachers have done to make this possible.
Today’s results were achieved amidst unprecedented levels of disruption and adversity, but students can rest assured that they have been judged according to the work they have actually done.
The continued mistreatment of education professionals brings shame on this Government.
This has to change. We will not move our school system forward without engaging in serious thought about its problems. BERA's report is an opportunity to do that.
This consultation is unlikely to provide definitive answers ahead of the new term starting in September. At best it will be a partial picture of arrangements.
Welsh Government needs to put a Plan B in place and make funds available now, so education settings can start planning for next year.
NEU Cymru, Unite, and GMB have today launched a mental health and wellbeing survey which is open to anyone who works within the education sector in Wales.
It is important to understand that social class is the biggest determinant of educational success or failure. Too many children and young people are disengaged from the curriculum.
Education Secretary confirms phonic checks to resume in Autumn term
As workload rockets for grading season, 10,000 educators write to Gavin Williamson demanding he provides compensation
The pandemic has exposed the flaws that exist when awarding GCSE and A-Level grades even in a normal year.
“This year of all years is a terrible time to introduce a statutory requirement to introduce a baseline test which is designed not to give information to either teachers or parents.
School leaders and teachers now need assurances from the Secretary of State that no new requirements will be made of them.
Government acted too late. Had there been steps taken at the start of the academic year to prepare for the eventuality that exams may not be able to happen, this could have been more easily resolved.
Education organisations set out principles for fair assessment this summer
Consultation is always welcome but this is too late in the day.
Teachers and parents will be relieved that Gavin Williamson has faced up to reality and cancelled this year's SATs tests.
Education staff will need further information soon about the training proposed by Gavin Williamson to assist with ensuring consistency and fairness of grades nationally.
Teachers require an assurance that the results of key stage 2 tests in 2021, which cannot possibly be a measure of the quality of a school, will not be used as a measure of accountability.
More Than a Score research on Phonics
Government proposal to use real rather than predicted A level grades for higher education places.
NEU hands in petition calling for Government action to ensure fairness in 2021 exams
The Government's current approach to exams in England is increasingly untenable.
With high numbers of pupils and staff having to isolate as a result of Covid cases in their school, Govt decisions are doubling the difficulties faced by disadvantaged children and young people.
We welcome the NAHT stand. Teachers and headteachers are now united in their call for cancellation: the Government should listen. Statutory assessment in 2020/1 serves no useful purpose.
Covid has exposed the fault lines in our current system of assessment and accountability.
Education unions make joint call for inquiry into grading fiasco
It is brazen of the Prime Minister to idly shrug away a disaster that his own Government created.
Resignation of Sally Collier, Chief Regulator of Ofqual
NEU petition calling for action on fixing exams system reaches 25,000 signatures in its first 24 hours.
We commend the students and staff who have supported them this year. They have shown great patience throughout the challenges of lockdown and last week's shambolic uncertainty.
The Joint General Secretaries of the National Education Union have written to Gavin Williamson the Education Secretary, setting out why the disastrous handling of this year’s exam results must never happen again.
NEU Cymru wishes many congratulations to those who have secured expected grades and we trust that the adjustment and appeals processes will be robust enough to deal with all anomalies that may have arisen.
The politics of results season 2020 has drowned out the most important point - that students must be congratulated for their hard work and patience through a difficult time for the whole nation.
NEU Cymru comment on Education Minister's announcement on last minute changes to A level grades
Today's confirmation of business as normal for the content of most subjects next year makes insufficient allowance for the disruption this year and allows no contingency for any further disruption as a result of local or regional lockdowns.
Results from this year's extraordinary exams process are broadly comparable to previous years’ results, and the majority of students will not be disadvantaged by this year's process.
The National Education Union welcomes the decision not to implement reception baseline assessment in September.
Research by Sutton Trust’s suggests young people believe cancellation of A-Levels will damage their chances in university applications.
The NEU welcomes Ofqual’s announcement today on the regulatory arrangements for awarding this summer’s Vocational and Technical Qualifications (VTQs).
One form of assessment will not fit all, and more detail is required.
We are pleased that the Department for Education and Ofqual both recognise the professionalism of teachers. Exams are not the only way to assess someone’s ability.
The DfE has satisfied itself about the technical validity of the tests, but is completely incurious about the effects of Baseline Assessment on the educational experience of four year-olds.
New research into Baseline testing shows a lack of trust amongst teachers.
More Than A Score /YouGov publishes survey findings of parents' views on too much testing in schools.
The NEU reacts to the result of the 2019 General Election.
NFER is right that there has to be a concerted effort to raise awareness about the new T Level awards, particularly around the uncertainty about progression routes.
The Sutton Trust is right to say that the new GCSE reforms have a negative impact on students.
NEU welcomes the the Liberal Democrats commitment to abolish primary SATs testing. These tests, beloved of the Government, cause enormous stress and narrowing of the curriculum – they do not produce useful information for teachers.
Sixty-nine thousand unexplained pupil exits from schools is a shocking figure and one which the Government needs to address.
NEU comments on Government's release of Phonics Check statistics.
The recommendations to spread best practice and take advantage of technological advances in order to help prevent malpractice, where it does occur, are sensible.
Today’s report will do nothing to halt the growing demand to abolish the SATs-based system, and replace it with one which support’s pupils’ learning, and does more to trust teachers’ professional judgment.
Congratulations to all those receiving their GCSE results today. They are a testament to the hard work of students and all those who have supported them, including education professionals.
On the eve of this year’s GCSE results, the National Education Union (NEU) has carried out a snapshot poll of members about their perceptions of how recent reforms to the qualifications have impacted on the students they teach.
Congratulations to students who have succeeded in their A-Level and vocational qualifications today.
On the eve of this year’s A-Level results, the National Education Union (NEU) has polled members about their perceptions of how recent reforms to the qualifications have impacted on the students they teach.
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary NEU comments on the release of today’s SATs results.
With this year’s SATs results published today, the findings of the largest poll of primary school practitioners ever undertaken gives a ringing endorsement of the National Education Union’s (NEU) campaign to end damaging high-stakes tests in primary schools. It also sends a clear message to Government that the current assessment system must change.
Government figures show that 9,600 primary schools in England have registered for take-up of the Baseline assessment.* This is down from 16,766 primary schools in 2018.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 30 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: "The resolution demonstrates the conviction of those who work in English education that our system of assessment and accountability is not fit for purpose".
Commenting on the passing of Motion 35 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: “With this resolution, the Union adds its voice to the rising concern about the effects and educational value of exams at 16+.
Commenting on the passing of Motion 16 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Commenting on the results of a YouGov survey commissioned by More than a Score, released today, which shows the level of school leaders’ frustrations with the Government’s assessment regime, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union comments on the announcement by Nick Gibb that the DfE will be looking for schools to take part in a pilot scheme for the proposed baseline assessment tests.
The National Education Union is deeply disappointed that the Government has decided to introduce the Reception Baseline Assessment and Multiplication Tables Check.
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales, notes that this year's results of the Categorisation system in Wales show that schools in Wales remain 'stable', in terms of their "improvement" category.
David Evans, Secretary of NEU Cymru Wales welcomes the consultation on the new Curriculum "Our National Mission: A Transformational Curriculum".
Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary NEU has commented on the secondary school performance tables, published today by the Department for Education.
Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary, National Education Union has commented on statistics released today by the Department for Education for 2017/18.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, has commented on today’s publication of primary school performance tables.
BERA’s expert panel has demonstrated that the Government’s plans for baseline assessment are built on wishful thinking, not evidence, say the NEU.
Children crying, having nightmares and being so stressed they needed extra support to cope with SATs were highlighted by primary teachers in a National Education Union (NEU) survey on the primary assessment.
Today’s announcement means that, despite the hard work of teachers and pupils, over a third of 11-year-olds will arrive in secondary schools in September labelled as ‘below the expected standard,’ says NEU.
Capita is set to make a vast profit at the expense of young primary children’s mental health and well-being, after the award of a £109 million contract by the government, says the NEU.
Congratulations to students, but new GCSEs are narrowing the curriculum and adding to student stress, says Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union.
Congratulations to students and staff but warning that there is increase in mental health issues and a narrowing of the curriculum with new assessment model, NEU says.
Changes to this year’s GCSEs and A-levels have damaged students’ mental health, according to a snap-shot poll by the National Education Union.
NEU comments on the breakdown of results in this year's A-Levels.
CHILDREN crying, having nightmares and being so stressed they needed extra support to cope with SATs were just some of the findings of a National Education Union (NEU) survey on primary assessment.
Changes to this year's GCSEs and A levels have damaged students' mental health, according to a snap poll by the National Education Union (NEU)