SCHOOL leaders from around the world have met in Ottawa to discuss student testing and related accountability policies being introduced in schools.

Sue Sayles, head of Riccall Community School, York, and past present of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "High stakes national testing is an issue facing school leaders around the world.

"Coming from a country where the curriculum is driven by testing, it is important that we share with colleagues the dangers of governments going down this route. Teaching to the test and narrowing of the curriculum are not beneficial to students."

NAHT believes the meeting in Ottawa will help national associations raise their concerns with their respective governments, and point to good practice elsewhere.