Phonics test resit for Year 3 pupils scrapped
Retakes for Year 3 phonics screening has been scrapped by the government after pupils failed for the third time.
The Department of Education (DfE) has stated that phonic test retakes will not take place after almost half of pupils failed for the third time, following a trial.
The DfE phonics pilot project, which was published yesterday, February 2, showed that about half of seven and eight-year-olds that failed the phonics check did not meet the standards on the second test.
In addition, more than a third of teachers stated that a retake would have no positive impact on teaching phonics.
The DfE will now scrap plans that allow a second retake of the test.
Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, says: “After a trial period, the government has seen what many professionals have been saying: retaking phonics screening adds to workload and does not deliver for pupils.
“The government is often attracted to retakes and resits, when in fact a different approach to teaching is needed.”
Read moreLatest News
11/07/2025 - 10:17
Ofsted has announced it will be holding a programme of sector engagement events in September to go alongside the final set of education inspection reforms.
10/07/2025 - 09:39
Overstretched children’s social care services has led to an alarming number of children leaving the care system and becoming homeless, not in employment or not in education, according to a report by the Education Committee.
10/07/2025 - 09:23
A new report suggests the free schools programme in England has generally had positive impacts on pupil outcomes at secondary, including GCSE and A-Level attainment and secondary school absence.
09/07/2025 - 10:38
The framework gives teachers guidance to plan high quality lessons and teach writing from reception and throughout primary school.
09/07/2025 - 10:16
A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) finds that the Department for Education (DfE) lacks a coherent plan, suitable targets and sufficient evidence of what works as it seeks to improve teacher recruitment and retention.
