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UK to Introduce Mandatory Reading Test for Year 8

9/26/2025

27 4

Summary

Story summary

The UK government plans a mandatory Year 8 reading test to address underachievement among white working-class pupils and disengagement of disadvantaged pupils.
It would be the first statutory Key Stage 3 assessment since 2008, with rollout planned for 2028-29.
Results will be shared with government and Ofsted but published only nationally; unions warn it could become an accountability tool.

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Story summary

The UK government plans a mandatory Year 8 reading test to address underachievement among white working-class pupils and disengagement of disadvantaged pupils.
It would be the first statutory Key Stage 3 assessment since 2008, with rollout planned for 2028-29.
Results will be shared with government and Ofsted but published only nationally; unions warn it could become an accountability tool.