Edexcel exam board to help re-mark school SATs papers

One of Britain's biggest exam boards, Edexcel, has been called in to help re-mark this year's national curriculum tests after record requests from schools. Teachers have asked for more than 40,000 reviews of pupils' scripts from the tests for 11- and 14-year-olds.

Already there have been more requests to re-mark English papers for 14-year-olds than last year, although the deadline for requests does not expire until 10 September. Exam board officials are expecting further requests.

The National Assessment Agency (NAA) – the arm of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority responsible for overseeing the tests (SATs) – is urging schools to make requests for reviews if they have any doubts about marking.

David Gee, NAA's managing director, said: "If schools have evidence that the mark scheme [for this year's tests] has been misapplied, they should apply for a review and [we] will ensure the application is properly evaluated and, where necessary, scripts re-marked."

Teachers' leaders say this is the first time the test watchdog has publicly encouraged schools to request reviews, heightening speculation there are flaws in this year's marking system.

Interesting? Click here to explore further