Phonics screening check data collection: guide to submitting data
How local authorities should collect phonics screening check data from all local-authority-maintained schools, academies and free schools.
Applies to England
Phonics teaches people to read by relating sounds with letters and words. The phonics screening check is designed to check whether pupils understand phonics to an appropriate standard.
The phonics screening check data collection is an annual statutory data collection that takes place each June.
Local authorities must complete statutory data collections by law unless there is a very good reason not to.
You must submit phonics screening check assessment data for year 1 pupils in all:
- schools maintained by the local authority
- academies
- free schools
- special schools (schools for children with special educational needs or disabilities)
Important dates
Dates for the 2026 data collection
Collection opens: 8 June 2026
Deadline for submitting data: 17 July 2026
Submit your data
You’ll need to:
- register and log in with DfE Sign-in
- use COLLECT to submit your data
Please contact your school or local authority approver, if:
- you want to request a DfE Sign-in username or password so you can access COLLECT
- ‘phonics screening check data’ is not on the list of collections you can see in COLLECT
Get help using DfE Sign-in
If you do not know who your approver is, use the DfE Sign-in request form.
If you’ve forgotten your password, use DfE Sign-in to reset it. You will need to click ‘start now’ and then the ‘I’ve forgotten my password’ link.
We’ll only be able to change the status of your data submission to ‘authorised’ once you’ve cleared all errors in the data in COLLECT.
Collection documents
The following guides will help you complete the return:
- Phonics screening check data collection: guide
- Phonics screening data collection: technical specification
- COLLECT guides for schools and local authorities
Get help submitting data
Use the service request form if you have any questions about your data. We aim to answer your question within 5 working days.
For general enquiries about administering the phonics screening check, contact the national curriculum assessments helpline on 0300 303 3013 or assessments@education.gov.uk.