Pearson Delays England Sats Results by 9 Days as Technical Issues Trigger Backlash
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 2
Pearson Delays England Sats Results by 9 Days as Technical Issues Trigger Backlash
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 2
Summary
Pearson pushed England’s Key Stage 2 Sats results to July 16 from July 7, apologising after technical problems delayed this year’s release by more than a week.
The company said teams were working around the clock to complete remaining pupil data and insisted GCSE, A-level and other qualification results would not be affected.
Union leaders called the delay a “complete shambles” and “completely unacceptable,” warning schools may have to work into holidays and demanding assurances that results are accurate.
A marker told the BBC internal deadlines had repeatedly slipped and raised concerns about possible marking errors in Pearson’s system, including one mark appearing against the wrong question.
The disruption hits Pearson’s first year delivering the tests under a new Standards and Testing Agency contract, adding pressure for an investigation into how the handover was managed.