The government is set to announce a new target, aiming for 90 percent of students to achieve the expected level in phonics, as revealed by Bridget Phillipson today.
The Education Secretary will also introduce a mandatory reading assessment for Year 8 students at the annual Confederation of School Trusts conference. This initiative was previously disclosed by Schools Week last month.
Officials stated that they will enhance the current phonics program by establishing a new goal for 90 percent of children to meet the expected standards in the phonics screening assessment.
The government aims to achieve this target by 2029, coinciding with the end of the current parliamentary term.
According to this year’s data, 80 percent of Year 1 students successfully passed the phonics check, a figure consistent with the previous year.
Recent statistics also indicated a one percentage point decline in the number of disadvantaged students meeting the phonics standard for the first time, falling to 67 percent this year.
Students who do not achieve the required standard will have a second attempt during Year 2; however, the initial target pertains specifically to Year 1.
The government further announced an expansion of support for reception pupils via English Hubs, focusing intently on children facing the most challenges, alongside reforms aimed at enhancing early education quality and providing broader family support via Best Start Family Hubs.
The government has previously established a goal for 75 percent of children to be ‘school ready’ by 2028.
‘A Step in the Right Direction’
Rebecca Boomer-Clark, CEO of Lift Schools, remarked, “Reading is the key that unlocks all learning and engagement. Initiatives like setting a national goal for 90 percent of children passing the phonics check and introducing reading tests in Year 8 are both commendable advancements.”
For several years, Lift Schools have been assessing reading proficiency among students from Year 2 to Year 10.
“This approach has yielded invaluable data, enabling us to effectively support students in getting back on track, resulting in significant improvements in literacy and engagement,” Boomer-Clark added.
“This effort is crucial for all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Nonetheless, union representatives expressed reservations and called for a definitive strategy to reach the new goal.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders’ union NAHT, stated, “Announcing a new ambition for attainment in the check will not suffice without concrete interventions to make it a reality.”
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, pointed out, “While setting tests and targets is straightforward, the most impactful change in enhancing literacy would stem from ensuring schools are adequately funded and resourced to offer more intervention and support, particularly for disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs.”
“Currently, the financial situation is dire, and schools are forced to reduce provisions.”
‘The Importance of Reading’
Phillipson emphasized that the Year 8 reading assessment would establish clear expectations, helping parents, teachers, and students identify educational gaps early on. The aim is to target assistance for those in need and to further support high achievers.
She will explain that the forthcoming schools white paper, set to be released this term, will “pave the way for national advancements in education leading into the 2030s.”
“I am particularly concerned about one issue that is obstructing young people’s potential,” Phillipson will express. “Before engaging fully with their schooling, children must first master reading.”
“When they struggle with reading, feelings of frustration arise, leading to disengagement and attendance issues.”
“Reading is crucial to a child’s learning journey. Its foundational value cannot be overstated.”
Phillipson highlighted that assessments will focus on evaluating reading fluency and comprehension. “We’ll monitor progress at this pivotal point when numerous children are either stagnant or falling further behind.”
“This will provide essential data for schools to ensure that no child’s need for assistance is overlooked.”
As reported by Schools Week, the results from these assessments will be shared with Ofsted and the government, although they will not be publicly released. The intention is for the test to provide a “snapshot in time” and it is “not something children need to prepare for”.
However, school results will be accessible to parents, according to government officials.
Ministers plan to implement this initiative in the 2028-29 academic year, although arrangements are still under development.
