Teachers ‘use loophole’ to get pupils more time for Sats tests

Teachers are using a “slow reading” loophole to get children extra time for the new, tougher Sats, it has been claimed.

The number of pupils getting extra time in Sats has almost doubled since 2015, figures show, with at least 14 per cent of Year 6 pupils granted additional time to finish the tests this year.

At least 89,674 pupils got more Sats time this year, compared with 46,178 two years ago, according to data obtained by the Times Education Supplement under a Freedom of Information request.

Children with special educational needs or education, health and care plans are automatically granted extra time in the tests.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “Where pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, need additional support in Key Stage 2 assessments, it is right that they receive it.”