Thousands of schoolchildren will not receive their Sat results on time, the government has announced.

"Technical issues" and incomplete exam paper marking have been blamed for the delay, leaving many students facing up to a week's delay before learning their Sat results.

A letter from schools secretary Ed Balls to Barry Sheerman, chairman of the Commons' children, schools and families select committee, reveals details of the "clearly unacceptable" delay.

Key stage two pupils had been due to receive their results on Tuesday but these will now be released on July 15th.

Key stage three pupils also face a week's delay from July 15th but officials may consider releasing those which are available by that date, given the looming summer holidays.

Commentators say a new computer system managing the results run by US firm ETS may be responsible.
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