Actress Anna Maxwell Martin has teamed up with a collective of parents to raise concerns about the negative impact of primary school examinations on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Known for her role in the BBC sitcom Motherland, Anna Maxwell Martin has shared her own challenges navigating the SEND system in England, labeling it as a distressing experience. Presently, she, along with 22 parent groups and advocates, is urging the Education Secretary to reconsider the current primary SATs format.
In an open letter addressed to Bridget Phillipson, the group emphasizes that the existing SATs structure is detrimental to children with SEND, often leading to disengagement as they transition to secondary school. The letter highlights that many SEND students who do not perform well in SATs feel inadequate and struggle with their self-esteem, facing a sense of exclusion and relentless pressure.
Ms. Maxwell Martin, a mother of two and a familiar face from Line of Duty, stresses the need for a more inclusive educational approach that prioritizes children’s mental well-being and unique requirements. She emphasizes that the flaws lie within the assessment system itself and not with individual teachers or school leaders.
Statistics show that in 2025, only 24% of children with SEND met the expected standards in primary SATs. Despite calls for reform, the government recently stated its reluctance to make significant alterations to the current testing system, except for minor adjustments to year 6 SATs.
Research conducted by campaign group ‘More Than A Score’ revealed that a substantial number of SEND parents expressed concerns about the negative impact of SATs on their children’s attitudes towards schooling. The group insists that forcing children into a system that harms them is counterproductive and urges for a system that fosters a positive attitude towards education.
While the government was expected to introduce SEND reforms in the upcoming Schools White Paper, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson postponed the announcement to 2026 to gather feedback from families, educators, and experts.
In response to the concerns raised, a Department for Education spokesperson reiterated the importance of primary assessments in supporting student progress and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance support for children with SEND through early intervention and increased funding for specialized provisions in mainstream schools.