By Alison Kershaw, Press Association

Teachers overwhelmingly backed a boycott of Sats tests today, setting them on a collision course with a new Government. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) have been balloting members involved in the administration of the tests – including headteachers, deputies and assistant heads – for the past month. According to today’s results, 74.9% of NUT members who voted were in favour of a boycott, as were 61.3% of NAHT members who voted. Turnout for the NUT’s ballot was 33.8% and for the NAHT it was 49.7%. The executives of each union will now meet next week to take a final decision on whether to press ahead with the boycott.
But with large majorities in favour, the scene is now set for a showdown with whoever forms the next government.
If approved, the action will start on Tuesday May 4 – two days before the country goes to the polls.

Margaret Morrissey, of campaign group Parents Outloud, said they were supportive of a boycott.
A poll of 1,333 parents on the group’s website found that 97% were in favour of scrapping Sats, she said.