Fury over delayed KS2 SATs results as government considers scrapping £180m Pearson contract

Schools Policy Education
Fury over delayed KS2 SATs results as government considers scrapping £180m Pearson contract
Published July 2, 2026
Delays to Key Stage 2 SATs results have sparked anger across the education sector after exam board Pearson attributed the hold-up to technical issues. Schools awaiting crucial pupil assessment data to inform their planning and reporting to parents have been left in limbo, with no clear timeline for when results will be available. The delays have prompted the government to reconsider its £180m contract with Pearson for delivering national assessments. Ministers are reportedly weighing whether to scrap the agreement entirely, raising questions about the future of statutory testing arrangements and the robustness of outsourced examination services.
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