Key stage 2 tests are a chance for pupils to show how far they have come after years of hard work, curiosity and growth. They help parents and carers understand what their children have achieved. And for teachers, they are part of the culmination of everything they have poured into their class throughout that year: the planning, the encouragement, the belief that every child deserves to do well – whatever that may look like – and the knowledge that they’ve helped them to get there. Today’s results tell the story of that hard work. This year more children have met the expected standard across subjects, with increases in writing; grammar, punctuation and spelling; and maths – particularly those working at a higher standard. This really is a mark of success, and it is a testament to the tireless dedication of primary teachers across England. It is also a reflection of something broader. More than seven in ten (73 per cent) parents now agree that the government has acted to improve opportunities for all children and young people over the past two years, and 69 per cent say we have acted to improve the quality of education in England overall. Disruption That confidence matters – and is a product of the collective effort across government and the whole school sector. Today’s results are part of why it is being earned. But teachers, pupils, parents and carers all deserved to see the results of their hard work on time, accurately and without disruption. This has not happened. Pearson has taken full responsibility for the failures that have led to the delay and has, rightly, apologised unreservedly to schools, families and markers. But more than timeliness, I know that teachers and parents want to be confident in the accuracy of the results they’re receiving. I can reassure schools that the delay had nothing to do with the quality of the tests, nor the accuracy of the marking. The standards maintenance process has been completed as planned. Pupils’ achievements in the tests and teacher assessments will be recognised and recorded as part of their wider achievements throughout their time at primary school. I also recognise that for many schools, this data is returning after or close to the end of term. We have worked to mitigate the impact of the delay on teachers and schools, and I have extended the deadline to apply for reviews of pupils’ test scripts until 7 September, to allow schools to make applications when they’ve returned after the holiday. Independent review It’s important we acknowledge this is not the first time in recent memory that schools have faced challenges with key stage 2 assessment results. That cannot become a pattern, and all options are on the table for how we deliver these results in future years. We have announced today an independent review led by Dame Christine Gilbert to establish how such serious failings occurred – and to what extent a new model for delivering results could help in future. We are also ruling nothing out when it comes to recourse and the contract agreed between Pearson and the previous government. I know school leaders will expect the government to hold its partners to account, just as we do our schools. School leaders and staff have shown extraordinary patience and professionalism this year, and I am genuinely grateful for that. And as with every year, teachers have been there for every one of their pupils, supporting them whether they’re just starting out or getting ready for the next stage of their school journey. So an enormous thank you for all teachers for what they do, and I hope everyone working in our schools has a brilliant break over the summer.