Teachers face tougher tests in bid to raise standards

Prospective teachers will have to sit new tougher tests in English, maths and reasoning - as part of the government’s drive to raise standards in the education system.

The changes – recommended by an independent review group of leading head teachers and education experts – would see calculators banned from the new mathematics tests and pass marks in English and mathematics raised.

Trainee teachers currently have to pass basic skills tests in literacy and numeracy. Until this September, they took the tests only towards the end of their training course and were allowed unlimited re-sits.

Latest figures show that around 98 per cent of trainees passed the tests. Candidates have already been limited to two re-sits for each test from this September, and the pass mark has been raised.

Chaired by head teacher Sally Coates, the Skills Test Review Panel has now recommended:

•                the current tests are strengthened 

•                the pass mark for the English and mathematics tests is raised again, to the equivalent of GCSE grade B;

•                a new test for verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning 

The education secretary Michael Gove said: “The evidence from around the world is clear – rigorous selection of trainee teachers is key to raising the quality and standing of the teaching profession.”