ASCL comment on plans for mandatory Year 8 reading test

15/10/2025
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, comments on the Department for Education announcement about plans for a mandatory Year 8 reading test, and ‘ambition’ for 90% of children to meet the expected standard in the phonics screening check.
 
 
Many schools conduct reading assessments to help identify where students need extra help in developing this vital skill. It will be important for the government to be able to explain what its planned Year 8 mandatory test will achieve in addition to all the work that is already taking place.

“We would urge policymakers to be careful that they do not end up creating a test which places additional curriculum expectations on schools, and that they ensure it is simple to administer, as school workforces are already stretched to breaking point. In particular, this must not become yet another accountability measure either now or in the future. 

“The ambition of 90% of children reaching the expected standard in the phonics screening check is all well and good but it needs to be supported with a clear plan of how this will be achieved. 

“Tests and targets are easy to set but what would make the greatest difference in improving literacy is to ensure that schools are sufficiently funded and resourced to provide more intervention and support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs. As things currently stand the financial situation is dire and schools are having to cut provision
.”