Teenagers in England will be required to take a compulsory reading test at the age of 13, under new plans being developed by education secretary Bridget Phillipson.
The Department for Education is expected to outline the changes in an upcoming white paper. The new assessment would take place at the end of year 8, after two years at secondary school, and aims to identify pupils who are falling behind in literacy.
Results would be shared with Ofsted, the government, and possibly with parents, but will not be published in school league tables. The test is expected to function in a similar way to the phonics check for six year olds in primary schools.
It would mark the first new national assessment since 2021, when baseline and times tables tests were introduced in primary schools. At that time, teaching unions criticised the move as adding unnecessary workload and pressure on pupils.
Concerns Over Falling Literacy and Disengaged Pupils
Ministers and education experts are worried about literacy levels during Key Stage 3, describing the first three years of secondary school as neglected. Research shows that white pupils from low income backgrounds are among the least engaged, with many already disengaged before starting secondary school.
Studies also reveal that teenagers are reading the same books as much younger children, with reading levels declining year after year from year 7 onwards. This pattern has raised concerns that pupils are failing to engage with more challenging material.
The government commissioned curriculum and assessment review is expected to guide final decisions, alongside wider reforms to the special educational needs system.
While ministers argue the new test will improve literacy and raise standards across the curriculum, unions are likely to resist, warning of increased workload and added pressure on teachers and pupils.
