Commenting on reports that the government will introduce a new statutory reading test in secondary school, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“The introduction of a statutory reading test in year 8 would be unnecessary, distracting and not a good use of money when funding is tight for schools. While reading is clearly a vital skill, another test will not in itself improve literacy. Taking a test does not improve standards; good teaching does.

“This money would be much better spent on resources to support teaching and learning strategies to improve reading. What is needed is support for all children and young people to develop a love of reading and to gain the literacy skills they need to navigate through school and through life.

“Pupils already take tests in year 6 – schools have those results and can access detailed question level analysis. Most secondary schools also test at the start of year 7, so they have even more data. Teachers use assessments all the time to check progress, identify areas for support, and act on those. So secondary schools know which children need support with reading – they don’t need a statutory test to tell them that.

“It is very concerning that this comes before the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment review recommendations. We would urge the government to wait for the publication of that report before they start announcing change.”