Changes to primary assessment has increased teacher workload

According to a survey carried out by PlanBee, a teaching resource website, changes to primary assessment last year significantly increased the workload of teachers.

The survey of 1,700 teachers shows that 97 per cent now feel overworked because of changes to primary assessment and 60 per cent do not feel supported enough by their senior management.

New Sats were introduced last year and were designed to be tougher than previous tests. In addition to this, there were also changes to the way writing was assessed at key stage 2.

These changes were described as “chaotic” by union leaders at the time, and the new survey suggests the teachers are feeling the pressure of increased workload as a result.

The survey also shows that half of teachers said their relationships had suffered because of time spent lesson planning, and 25 per cent said it was impossible to have a social life as a result of this workload.

Becky Cranham, founder of Planbee, commented: “Our survey has shown that primary school teachers, who were already stretched to their limits, are feeling the pressure now more than ever before.

“It’s no wonder there is a teacher shortage crisis when the majority of primary teachers feel as though teaching has taken over their lives, and whatever they do will never be enough.”