Year 8 pupils to sit compulsory reading tests under new plans

Year 8 pupils in England will face compulsory reading tests to assess progress in secondary school, as a quarter of Year 6 students struggle with expected reading standards. These proposed changes are part of a government initiative to ensure educational success for all students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. While some educators support standardized testing to identify learning gaps, concerns over the impact on school accountability, curriculum focus, and funding allocation have been raised by education unions and leaders.