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<p>The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is an executive agency of the Department
with responsibility for the development and delivery of national curriculum tests
and assessments. Its work on National Curriculum assessments is regulated by Ofqual.</p><p>The
STA works independently on test materials. Ministers have no involvement in test development
or in the selection of the content of the test. Ministers do not have access to the
test materials until they are published after the end of the timetable variation window,
which is five school days after the scheduled test date. Ministers likewise are not
involved in the standards maintenance process which determines the threshold for the
expected standard each year.</p><p>The STA has met with stakeholders, including teacher
and school leader unions and headteachers, to understand their views on the end of
Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests this year, and are responding to correspondence
from schools, parents and other individuals regarding the tests.</p><p>The STA will
continue to engage with schools, unions, and other stakeholders to understand their
views on the papers this year, and in regard to all aspects of primary assessment.</p>
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