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Phonics screening check

Guidance for headteachers and teachers administering and scoring the phonics screening check.

Updates to this page

From:
Standards and Testing Agency
Published:
9 April 2014
Last updated:
1 September 2026
Show all updates

  1. Added an overview of the phonics screening check to the page. Added further links to existing guidance on monitoring arrangements.

  2. Added link to DfE's published statistics on phonics screening check attainment

  3. Added the phonics screening check assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA) for the academic year 2024 to 2025

  4. Added: Assessment and reporting arrangements (phonics screening check) for 2024

  5. Added link to the Key stage 1: administering the phonics screening check to year 2 pupils to guidance.

  6. Removed the phonics screening check threshold mark for 2019. We have agreed with Test Development colleagues that this is only being published on the 'Phonics screening check: 2019 materials' page.

  7. 2017 threshold published

  8. 2016 phonics screening threshold mark added.

  9. Updated to add guidance for the 2016 test cycle

  10. Now includes the 2015 phonics screening check materials.

  11. Content revised for the 2015 phonics screening check administration period.

  12. Planning wall chart updated for the 2014 to 2015 academic year.

  13. First published.

Following the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report and the associated government response in November 2025, future assessment arrangements are under review in line with the relevant recommendations. Assessment arrangements for the academic year 2026 to 2027 will remain unchanged.

Overview of the phonics screening check

The phonics screening check is statutory for all pupils who have reached the age of 6 by the end of the school year. For most pupils, this will be in year 1.

The purpose of the phonics screening check is to confirm that all children have learned phonic decoding to an age appropriate standard. It contains 40 words, divided into 2 sections of 20 words, which contain a mixture of real words and pseudo-words.

The check is designed to give teachers information on how each child is progressing in phonics and whether they need additional support at this stage, so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.

The Department for Education also publishes statistics on phonics screening check attainment.

You will find more information and guidance on how to prepare for, administer, and submit the results of the phonics screening check below.

Administration guidance

Monitoring and maladministration

Information for parents

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