Plans to move 2010 key stage 2 SATs from the second week in May to the middle of June have been cancelled. The change, which had alarmed schools planning trips and other events, will now take place in 2011. The move was recommended by the expert group on assessment in its report earlier this year and accepted by ministers.

2010 test dates have now been confirmed as Monday 10 May to Friday 14 May 2010.

In 2011, under Stockport’s current holiday pattern of a two week break at Whit, means schools will return directly after the holiday in June to the week of SATs. While this could be problematic for schools and pupils, alternative solutions also have problems.