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New education Secretary Michael Gove has confirmed that the QCDA (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency) is to close with legislation due in the autumn to abolish the agency.
The QCDA is responsible for setting the curriculum and managing national tests and qualifications for schools. In a letter to the agency last week, Gove said: "I would want the QCDA to withdraw as soon and as far as is practicable, and continue with activities only where it is necessary in order to comply with a statutory duty."
However, he confirmed that the government is committed to ensuring that National Curriculum Tests (or SATs) "continue to be delivered effectively",- despite school opposition to the tests.
The government has confirmed that it will revise national tests to give a new focus on improvements in children’s performance rather than on national standards. Key Stage 2 tests will be reviewed and may be moved to the first year of secondary school rather than taking place at the end of the primary school years.