Survey shows majority oppose baseline assessment, which is being trialled in half of schools

Headteachers and campaigners have urged the government to halt plans to introduce a start-of-school assessment for four- and five-year-olds, arguing it is a waste of money and will not benefit schools or children.

About half of all primary schools in England will begin to trial the 20-minute test from this week as the new school year gets under way, before a planned full rollout across the country next year. Campaigners are concerned that schools are not obliged to inform parents that their children will undergo the test.