Phonics Screening Check

Every child in Year 1 in England has to take the Phonics Screening Check. The child takes the test during a one-to-one sitting with a teacher in June.

The Phonics Screening Check (or Phonics Screening Test) is a test to assess and show how well your child can use and apply the phonics skills that they’ve learnt up to the end of Year 1. The Phonics Screening Check is also an additional opportunity for teachers to identify children who need help with their phonics.

During the Phonics Screening Check, children are asked to read a mixture of real words and pseudo-words (fake words). If a child doesn’t meet the expected standard, they will be given the appropriate support with their phonics and re-take the Phonics Screening Check in Year 2.