EXAM pressure on primary school pupils is creating a ‘stressful setting’, according to an Oxford-based educator.

Nick Smith, principal of Oxford Home Schooling, raised concerns in light of national research about school stress.

In a OnePoll survey of 1,000 parents, 33 per cent said their child or children felt stressed by primary exams.

The figure was just shy of the 37 per cent who said their secondary school age children were facing exam stress.

Dr Smith said: “It will be a shock to some to find out that almost as many primary school children are stressed by exams as secondary school pupils.

“Although school is a place for learning, in primary education it’s just as important to allow children to feel comfortable, so they can learn more efficiently and effectively.

“The classroom itself can be a stressful setting for many, and that can stick with children for a long time.

“It’s very important for parents and teachers to recognise when a child is stressed and find alternative ways of helping them cope.”

Exams at primary schools include phonics testing aged five-six, and two sets of SATs at ages seven and 11.

In September, the Government announced it will introduce a new baseline test for reception age children from 2020.