England Proposes Mandatory Year 8 Reading Test to Tackle Literacy Gap in Secondary Schools
The government is planning to introduce a mandatory reading test for Year 8 pupils in England, aimed at checking students' literacy progress two years into secondary school. This move, expected to be detailed in an upcoming white paper, is part of a broader push to tackle underachievement—especially among white working-class children. A government spokesperson said, “Reading holds the key to the rest of the curriculum,” particularly for disadvantaged students who often fall behind early and never catch up.
While some heads say the test could help standardise support for struggling readers, unions have slammed the proposal. Daniel Kebede of the National Education Union argued that “young people being churned through test after test after test does not automatically equate to high standards.” Concerns are also growing over future governments potentially publishing school-level results, adding pressure and possibly narrowing the curriculum even further.
If approved, the tests would begin around 2028-29 and become the seventh national assessment pupils face between Reception and Year 13. Though results won't initially affect league tables or inspections, many in education remain sceptical. Critics say the test risks becoming another accountability tool, while supporters argue it could finally shine a light on the "wasted years" of Key Stage 3, where literacy often stalls.
