A group of parents are to withdraw their children from school next week as a protest against the government.

It will be part of a nationwide movement against exam testing for six year olds, which will see pupils taken out of classes next Tuesday (May 3).

Kate Orr will be one of a team of parents taking their child instead to Trent Park for classes for the day.

She said they are doing it to show support for the teachers and children.

She said: “This academic year, the prospect of sitting these tests have put teachers and pupils under immense pressure to achieve an unobtainable level of learning which isn't age appropriate and is setting up young children to fail, all in aid of ticking boxes in tests designed to measure school effectiveness, not to benefit our children.

“We feel that little thought has gone into how failure at such a young age will affect the morale of our children in the future and that of the teachers trying their hardest to navigate through an ever changing curriculum.

“This isn't a boycott against our wonderful schools or teachers; this is to show our support for them and a plea to Nicky Morgan for changes to the current system.”

Ms Orr said they want no further testing of children in year 2 and cancellation of all the remaining SATS tests.

She said May 3 will be a “forest day” - using art and games in Trent Park to learn about nature.