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NEU Rejects Year 8 Reading Test Amid Curriculum Concerns

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Education Union's Brighton conference voted against a new compulsory Year 8 reading test in England.
The government plans to implement the tests by 2029, claiming they identify students needing support.
Critics, including Daniel Kebede (NEU general secretary), say the tests would raise pressure and narrow the curriculum.
The NEU discussed library funding and possible boycotts.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized preventing children from slipping through the cracks.

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Story summary

The National Education Union's Brighton conference voted against a new compulsory Year 8 reading test in England.
The government plans to implement the tests by 2029, claiming they identify students needing support.
Critics, including Daniel Kebede (NEU general secretary), say the tests would raise pressure and narrow the curriculum.
The NEU discussed library funding and possible boycotts.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized preventing children from slipping through the cracks.