Research and analysis

PIRLS 2021: reading literacy performance in England

Findings from the progress in international reading literacy study (PIRLS) 2021, assessing and comparing the reading attainment and attitudes of year 5 children.

Applies to England

Documents

PIRLS 2021: national report for England

Details

This report outlines the results of the 2021 progress in international reading literacy study (PIRLS) in England.

PIRLS is an international comparative study directed by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.

The aim of PIRLS is to assess and compare the reading performance of pupils in their fourth year of formal schooling across participating countries.

57 countries took part in PIRLS 2021 and this is the national report for England.

Published 16 May 2023
Last updated 11 April 2024 + show all updates
  1. 'PIRLS 2021: national report for England' was updated to reflect minor corrections to some figures and associated wording. The changes are listed in Appendix E.

  2. First published.