The school Sats boycott: Listen to informed debate

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Across Yorkshire and the rest of England, many primary heads refused to administer the tests as part of industrial action staged by two teaching unions.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, estimated that support ranged from 30% in some areas to more than 70% in others.

She added there were "categorically" enough schools taking part to scupper league tables - a key aim of the boycott.

Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), raised the possibility of further action if the two unions - who confirmed the boycott last month - fail to reach agreement about the future of the tests with a new government.

He said: "We know that there are tens of thousands of children not sitting the tests today, that's what we hoped. It's been an opportunity for colleagues who want to see the system changed and improved to make a protest.

"The coverage of pupils doing the tests is quite patchy, but there appears to be patterns emerging.

"There have been areas where great numbers of colleagues are clustering together in support."

Mr Brookes added: "We would far prefer to negotiate than take action, but if pushed that's what we will do.

"We can't rule it out, but I do sincerely hope it doesn't come to that."

Ms Blower said: "Thousands of schools across England have decided that enough is enough and have taken the decisive step of boycotting this year's Sats.

"There are reports from many areas that a significant majority of primary school pupils will not be sitting Key Stage 2 tests this week. This will make the annual ritual of naming and shaming schools through league tables impossible."

She urged the new Government to begin "constructive talks" with the teaching profession about reforming tests in primary schools.

Echoing Mr Brookes, Ms Blower warned: "The campaign to end Sats will continue and I urge the next Government to pay immediate and serious attention to the matter of ensuring our schools have a fair and sensible alternative to Sats in place for next year."

Around 600,000 10 and 11-year-olds were due to take Sats this week - starting with reading tests today, followed by writing and spelling papers and then maths exams on Wednesday and Thursday.

As well as throwing league tables into chaos, the boycott could also affect Ofsted inspections as Sats results are a key measure used by the inspectorate when forming judgments on schools.

The two unions confirmed the boycott last month after ballots of their leadership members showed support.

It is down to heads, deputies and assistants to decided whether to take part in the boycott.

Angie Leonard, head of Lindale CE Primary School in Cumbria said she had a number of reasons for taking part.

"I don't think they (the tests) are the way forward in assessing children," she said.

"I think they can narrow the curriculum that's taught to primary years students."

Sats are also stressful for many children, parents and teachers, she added.

Ms Leonard said that six primary schools in her area were taking part, and plans had been made to ensure children are still assessed.

"We are organising ourselves and we are going to do some moderation between schools on our teacher assessment."

Mick Murphy, head of Rounds Green primary school in Sandwell, said his Year 6 pupils were taking past papers when teachers believe they are ready, which will feed into end of year assessments. The results will not be sent off.