Campaigns & News

Campaigns & News

Beyond Exam Factories – new report

A new report written by NEU members presents existing alternatives to the current system of secondary assessment.

Formed after a resolution agreed at NEU conference two years ago, the Secondary Assessment Working Party (SAWP) worked to extensively research alternative approaches to assessment to envision what a fairer future for 14-19 qualifications and assessment could look like. Its report – Beyond Exam Factories – aims to add to the growing consensus for change to the system, including moving away from the focus on end of course exams, by showing how things could be different through alternatives which already exist.

Please use the report to start conversations with educators in your area about what could be different in secondary assessment and how we can campaign to make the change we want to see.

Abolish Ofsted

Our rating of this Government: Inadequate.

Watch my video on this week’s disappointing announcement from ministers that they will not stand up against single-word Ofsted judgements.

A missed opportunity, making our fight to #AbolishOfsted and replace it with a new system that is supportive, effective and fair all the more vital. Join the campaign today.

Free School Meals for All

Research released last week shows that 4,000 schools are currently operating a food bank or pantry. Teachers and support staff are well used to going above and beyond for their pupils – but it’s outrageous that any school is forced to plug the gaps in this way.

The sheer scale of this crisis can only be dealt with by Parliament.

That’s why this summer term, we’re taking the Free School Meals for All campaign on tour around the country!

We’re calling on politicians to urgently deliver an extension of hot healthy dinners to every child in primary school, and will be meeting as many educators, parents, carers and community activists as possible along the way. Find out more here and ask your members to get involved so that together, we can ensure no child is left behind.

Views on KS1 SATs

Primary educators – please take two minutes to tell us your experiences of Key Stage 1 SATs.

This year the tests are no longer compulsory. Schools were able to opt out, but even if they did not there is still no requirement to set the tests or report the results. It will help our campaign to persuade Government to reform all high-stakes testing in primary schools if you can tell us about your experience and thoughts.

Click here to complete our short survey.

The National Education Union (NEU) does not believe these tests are useful or necessary. They narrow young children’s experiences of school and cause needless stress. There are much better ways to assess and support learning.