Two-thirds of children fail phonetics reading test

The pilot scheme of a new primary school reading check indicated two thirds of pupils are likely to fail the test when it is introduced next year. Figures released from the pilot show that just 32 per cent of six-year-olds reached the expected level set by about teachers. Schools minister Nick Gibb coined the test “appropriately challenging” and stated, “we need to face up to the uncomfortable truth that, despite the hard work of teachers, not enough of our children are able to read to a high enough standard. We must adjust our sights if we are to tackle the country's reading problem."