Anna Maxwell Martin Advocates for SEND Students Amid SATs Concerns

Anna Maxwell Martin, the popular English actress known for roles in "Line of Duty" and "Motherland," is making headlines for her active role in advocating for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the UK. Alongside 22 parent groups and campaigners, she has addressed the critical issue of primary school SATs tests and their impact on these children, calling on the Education Secretary to reconsider the current testing system.

Anna Maxwell Martin's Campaign for SEND Children and SATs Reform

Anna Maxwell Martin, who is also a parent navigating the SEND system personally, joined a group delivering an open letter to the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. The letter highlights how the current SATs system "actively harms" children with SEND, causing many to disengage from learning as they progress to secondary school. The campaign stresses the urgent need for reforms to better support these students in their educational journey, emphasizing that the existing system can leave children with feelings of failure despite their efforts.

Impact of SATs on Children with Special Educational Needs

Research and parent testimonies reveal the SATs exams in primary schools can be particularly harsh on SEND children. Many children feel pressured and disconnected, which affects their confidence and willingness to engage in further education. Anna Maxwell Martin spoke passionately about the subject, asserting, “The Government needs to look much harder at how to make things better for children in schools, particularly children with SEND.”

Government Response and Delayed Reforms

The UK Government was expected to outline reforms to the SEND system in the recent Schools White Paper. However, the Education Secretary announced a delay until 2026 to allow more thorough testing and consultations with families, teachers, and experts. This delay aims to ensure any changes to the SATs and SEND support are effective and carefully considered.

Sats ‘devastating’ for Send pupils, Motherland star and parent campaigners say https://t.co/6OdPzUK6fU

— Tim Hopkirk (@HopkirkTim41290) November 18, 2025

Anna Maxwell Martin’s Role Beyond Acting

Besides her acclaimed acting career, Anna Maxwell Martin is becoming a notable figure in social advocacy, especially in education. Her influence and firsthand experience lend significant weight to the campaign for more compassionate and effective educational assessments for children with special needs.