CHILDREN are suffering from being tested too often, say Bolton's headteachers.

Their views back a report to the Government which says that repeated exams can have a negative effect on youngsters.

The report reviewed university research which showed that repeated testing lowered self-esteem, and could lead to less effort from youngsters and lower test results.

Primary school pupils now sit SATS (Standardised Assessment Tests) at the age of seven and 11, with the results going towards the school's place in the national league tables.

Naomi Richardson, head of Eatock Primary School in Daisy Hill, said: "I don't agree with the SATS results being used in league tables .

"Some children make fantastic progress in a way which would never show up on a league table, but teachers are having to meet Government targets.

"I want primary school to be a memorable experience for children, but the memories are being squeezed out by all the target-setting."

John Baumber, head of Rivington and Blackrod High School, said testing also affects older pupils. He introduced counselling sessions for sixth formers who were suffering from stress because of the A/S and A-level exams.

He said: "There's certainly much more pressure to achieve and there's no doubt children are being tested more than they have ever been. But you don't necessarily grow just because you're being measured."

Tony Buckley, the head of George Tomlinson School in Kearsley, said: "The children coming through from primary school are used to being tested.

"But I'm worried about pupils being overtested. The amount of GCSE coursework is tremendous now, which means kids feel they are constantly under the microscope."