Kentish Express Ashford & District
Plans to postpone the Kent Test
Pupils may have to wait until October to take the Kent Test this year, after the county council announced a proposed delay.
The change, which could see children taking their exams on Thursday, October 15, is being considered to allow pupils more time to settle into the new academic year.
The Kent Test usually takes place in September, however, a potential shift in dates could mean results would be ‘unlikely’ to be available until November, according to KCC.
As part of the proposals, the council will consider increasing the number of schools which can be named on the Secondary Common application form from four to six choices for one year only.
This means parents could name up to two grammar schools without reducing the number of non-selective schools on their child’s application.
Matt Dunkley, KCC’s corporate director for children, young people and education, said: “While the pathway to a return to normal school life is still not fully understood, we know it is important that schools, parents, carers and children have adequate notice of any adjustments to the Kent Test process.
“It has recently become clear that Year 5 pupils are no longer expected to return to school before the start of the new academic year. We are mindful of how much classroom time pupils have missed and want to give all those taking part the opportunity to settle back into school life before the Kent Test.
“Proposals are therefore being made to delay the Kent Test by around one month, with testing for children in Kent schools to potentially take place on Thursday, October 15 and children from outside Kent to be tested from Saturday, October 17.”
Despite the proposed plans, KCC has said things could change in light of a change in advice and guidance on Covid19 from the government.
Mr Dunkley added: “Assessment through testing has the benefit of being available to students regardless of their current education setting, so it remains our current preference for a selection method.
“Our process also contains the head teacher appeal stage, which enables further consideration to be given to pupils where it is felt their test scores did not reflect their true ability.
“KCC will continue to work with schools to help them prepare to apply any social distancing requirements in the new school year.”
It comes as The Medway Test was delayed last week until October, to ensure pupils have the opportunity to settle back into school before exams take place.
It will now be held on October 13 and 14 for Medway pupils whose schools have opted for two-day testing, and on October 10 for students whose schools have chosen one-day testing.
Two weekends of testing will be held for out-of-area pupils on October 10-11 and 17-18 to ensure children are able to socially distance themselves from each other and from invigilators.
Meanwhile, Kent Liberal Democrat education spokesman, Cllr Trudy Dean, says the proposal would fail to breach the gulf between pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and those from more affluent areas.
The Tonbridge and Malling councillor has asked KCC’s scrutiny committee to review the plans amid concerns the proposal does not fall in line with pledges to reduce the student deprivation gap.
She said: “I am very disappointed with the decision, which I do not think helps to bridge the gap for those children who have been receiving very little tutoring throughout the lockdown period. I aim to call the proposal in for scrutiny.”
Labour was approached for comment.