Michael Bassey’s article (“When do the numbers get too great?”, TES, May 12) suggests that the results of this year’s key stage 2 national tests could provide the information needed to answer questions about class size and the quality of learning.
He points out that questions about the validity of the assessments could make difficulties for researchers. However, it is likely that these problems will be more significant than he has imagined. The KS2 tests were in schools and could be opened for at least a week before being administered. With a system so open to abuse, can we really use the results to answer questions about class size or any other significant educational issue?
ELIZABETH FOSTER
Primary teacher Address supplied
