TEST RESULTS DUE AMID MARKING FEAR

The results will show how well pupils across the country are performing in English, maths and science.

But head teachers have said the Government's decision to publish the results "beggars belief" following the marking shambles.

They warned that there is still widespread concern about late or missing results and inaccuracies in marking, and suggested ministers were issuing the results "prematurely".

Delivery of online publication of results to schools was delayed this year due to problems with marking and inputting data.

Schools secretary Ed Balls said last week that he had been advised by statisticians that there is enough data available to go ahead with publication.

He insisted that England's exams regulator Ofqual had advised that, as of the end of July, there are no widespread concerns about the quality of marks that could justify withholding the results.

Latest figures from contractor ETS Europe, hired to deliver the results, show that 99% at Key Stage 2 are now available to schools.

In a statement last week Ofqual said it recognised that the confidence of pupils, teachers and parents had been severely damaged by the delays. And the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has said its National Assessment Agency was taking over the appeals process from ETS.

A spokesman for teaching union NAHT said they had received more than 300 examples of maladministration and inaccuracies.