The press is full of reports about SATs and assessments in the state sector; some parents even boycotted a day of School to protest about the stress their children were being put under.

One Campaign for Real Education was quoted to say, amongst other things, that “Independent Schools are testing all the time!” At Claires Court we do assess regularly and use that information to evaluate progress and inform teaching and learning plans for each child, but not with the pressure of interminable practice tests and the sense of failure and anxiety that is witnessed in the state sector. Our Exam Week hosts exams in English, maths and science. Time is given not to practice tests but to revision techniques and time management. It is important for us to assess the girls’ achievements and track their progress. Exam Week gives this opportunity plus a chance for the pupils to show what they know and experience under exam conditions.