‘Exam factory’ conditions at school causing children to self-harm, says new research

‘Children are self-harming and developing eating disorders because of the “exam factory” conditions they face at school, says new research published on Saturday.

The study, by Professor Merryn Hutchings from London Metropolitan University for the National Union of Teachers, says pupils are becoming “anxious, stressed and disaffected” because the new more rigorous curriculum brought in by Michael Gove when he was Education Secretary has pressured them to work at a level for which they are not yet ready.

It adds that they are also receiving a narrower education – with less time for the arts – and they perceive the purpose of schooling is “solely to pass exams”.’

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