Compulsory reading test to be introduced for 13-year-olds

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"The government is poised to introduce mandatory reading assessments for 13-year-olds, a move set to be unveiled in its forthcoming Schools White Paper. Students in Year 8 would undertake the tests, with their results shared directly with the Department for Education and Ofsted, according to reports in The Times. However, the proposal has already drawn criticism from one teaching union, with one warning that pupils "categorically do not need" yet another national examination to gauge their progress."

"A spokesperson for the Department for Education defended the initiative, stating: "Reading holds the key to the rest of the curriculum, with pupils who struggle to read so often struggling across the board particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our forthcoming White Paper will set out an ambitious vision to make sure every young person, wherever they grow up, has the opportunity to succeed.""

The Independent covers topics from reproductive rights and climate change to Big Tech, producing investigations and documentaries while keeping reporting free of paywalls funded by donations. The government plans mandatory reading assessments for 13-year-olds in Year 8, to be set out in a forthcoming Schools White Paper. Test results would be shared directly with the Department for Education and Ofsted and could be shared with parents, although they would not appear in league tables. Teaching unions have criticised the proposal, arguing pupils do not need another national exam. The Department for Education argues reading is central to overall curriculum success, especially for disadvantaged pupils.

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