Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (Labour) has defended plans to assess schoolchildren's reading ability following union criticism over expected mandatory tests for 13-year-olds. The Government is preparing to introduce compulsory reading tests at the end of Year 8 in England as part of the forthcoming Schools White Paper.
Phillipson stopped short of confirming the specific plans but defended the principle of testing children's literacy. She argued that too many pupils were leaving school without adequate levels of English and maths.
Union opposition emerges
The expected introduction of the tests has drawn sharp criticism from education unions. Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders' union NAHT, said introducing a statutory reading test in Year 8 "would be unnecessary, distracting and not a good use of money when funding is tight for schools".
National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede warned the tests could ultimately be used as another measure resulting in the "punitive labelling of schools, narrowing curriculum and increased stress and workload for staff and students".
Minister's detailed defence
Speaking at a Labour conference fringe event, Phillipson explained the rationale behind the policy. She said: "We know we've got particular challenge around transitioning from primary into secondary, and we know that often between Year 7 and Year 9, we see a big challenge around drop off, in terms of children's enjoyment at school, their ability to learn but also challenges around attendance."
The Education Secretary emphasised the fundamental importance of literacy skills. She stated: "When it comes to reading it is self-evident that if you don't have a good level of literacy, you are restricted in whether you can really benefit from the whole school curriculum."
Focus on working-class children
Responding directly to union concerns, Phillipson stressed the particular importance of assessment for disadvantaged pupils. She said: "I do believe it is important, particularly for working-class kids, we have a sense not just of where they are but where we need to step in and put more support in place if they're not getting to where they need to be."
The Labour deputy leadership contender added: "And the reason I say that is that for many working-class kids, they get one chance at it and if we don't get it right for them, they often never get a second chance to get to where they need to be."
Phillipson acknowledged concerns about student wellbeing and staff support but maintained her position. She concluded: "My number one priority is making sure that all children leave school well prepared for the world to come. And too many children at the moment are leaving school without the level of English and maths, and it holds them back for the rest of their lives."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
