Teachers back SATs boycott

Teachers are today expected to announce a large vote in favour of boycotting next year's primary schools tests.

The National Union of Teachers' ballot could prove the biggest challenge in a decade to the Government's education policies, throwing next year's tests for seven and 11-year-olds into chaos.

Local authority leaders are preparing a court challenge, arguing that industrial action would be illegal.

Critics say the SATs tests stress young children unduly. Ministers have already agreed to pilot changes to tests for seven-year-olds.

The NUT claims the tests impose additional workload on staff and preparation for them dominates lessons, undermining teachers' " professional judgment".

Malcolm Grimston, Tory leader of Wandsworth council, said: "We do not believe this action would be a legitimate trade dispute." Graham Lane, chairman of the employers' body representing local education authorities, said others could join the court action.