Students anxious and disaffected because of onerous examination system, teachers warn

At the same time, teacher morale is low and many are considering quitting the profession because of the workload resulting from accountability.

The negative impact of accountability on both teachers and pupils was a key issue at the annual conference of the National Union of Teachers in Harrogate over Easter.

The event saw the publication of an interim report from research commissioned by the union. Involving 8,000 teachers, the investigation, by emeritus professor Merryn Hutchings and Dr Naveed Kazmi from London Metropolitan University, found that an overwhelming majority of teachers believe academic targets have led to a narrowing of the curriculum.

Eighty-four per cent said that social and emotional learning was being neglected due to the focus on English and maths, while 93 per cent said that this focus also led to less “creative, practical and investigative” opportunities in lessons.