A headteacher has slammed SATs as "useless" - and told anxious children to focus on climbing trees and playing football with their friends instead.
Chris Dyson, the head at Parklands Primary School in Seacroft, Leeds, was hailed by parents who agreed youngsters aged seven and eleven shouldn't be put under exam pressure.
SATs measure pupils’ academic ability in year two and year six but the government is under growing pressure to scrap them altogether.
There has been a two-year hiatus but many are due to sit them in the coming weeks - despite growing concerns from staff.
The end of school year tests have come under fire in the past, with 95 per cent of teachers fearing they have a potential negative impact on students’ mental health.
Now a post from Mr Dyson has told kids not to worry about the up-coming exams and focus on other things.
His letter was posted on popular Facebook page ‘Mum in the Moment’ and it reads: “Dear Y6 children, whatever happens during SATs week does not shape your future one little bit.
"Just try your best, smile and look forward to climbing a tree, playing football, singing, dancing, cooking or reading when you get home.
“After all the disruption you have had over the past three years, my heart goes out to you sitting these useless exams.
“Sadly the government say you have to do them so we have no choice.
“We can, as teachers, head teachers, be there for you if you feel anxious - so talking is good.
“Chris Dyson, head teacher, Parklands Primary School, Leeds.”
The post has attracted over 1,000 likes and shares with comments including “fabulous words” and “what an amazing headteacher”.
One parent responded: “They are useless, my daughter got GCSE targets as F due to her SATs - yet this week we attended her Masters degree graduation” - a comment which has attracted 22 likes.
Another said: “Amazing…couldn’t agree more.. We should celebrate each child’s achievements whatever they are and stop making them feel bad when they don’t make the SATs grades. Let’s raise happy, healthy children.”
The exam period typically comes with added stress for pupils as teachers begin revision and testing regimes.
There are no direct consequences of a child 'failing' their SATs. The results may reflect badly on the school, but they don't have to retake the exam.
